Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galations 5:25
May is the month of medical appointments for my boys. They go to the dentist, get a physical, and get their eyes checked. It’s bad enough when they’re told an immunization is needed, but have them get their pupils dilated and I’ve allowed torture to happen.
I’ll occasionally have them get the Optomap done so there’s pictures on file for their eyes. If you’ve never heard of it before, it’s when a picture is taken of the back of the eye (the retina) and dilation isn’t needed. They think it should be done every time!
Since I was in town, it would’ve been silly not to run some errands after their appointments, but you should’ve seen these boys. They were squinting and couldn’t see because they didn’t bring sunglasses. Where were those big things we used to get when leaving the optometrist?
I admit those eyes looked a little wild in the stores, but what was even crazier was that I had to lead them around outside because they just couldn’t see. They were shocked I made them go anywhere. Don’t you go home and hide afterward? What?
I told them to toughen up a little! They were soft from not having to get their eyes dilated every year. When I was a kid I used to experience the same thing and survived. Sheesh!
I was just teasing them and cringing that I really went there (haven’t I made a note never to say, “When I was a kid…”), but attitude is important even in difficult circumstances. When we complain, there’s no way we’re going to make things better…only worse. However, maybe the grumbling was increasing because I wasn’t acknowledging the issue enough.
The truth is that people who are very light sensitive can experience pain from having their eyes dilated. Isn’t this the same with emotions too? There are those who naturally are more sensitive to words and actions compared to others. It’s important for us to remember that not everyone is alike. It’s ok to not wear your emotions on your sleeve, but it’s perfectly fine to be more sensitive too.
Let’s make today about being accepting of what others are feeling, not what we think they should be feeling. We all experience emotions differently and it shows great character to be observant of another’s heart so we can adjust our behavior to show consideration for their needs.
Live by the Spirit in order for your eyes to be open to see the unspoken pain and your ears to hear the unspoken need.
