HAROLD KELLER

See clearly with God’s sight and enjoy a vision for life The Bible says that without a vision, people perish. As Helen Keller, blind since early childhood, received the Nobel Peace Prize, she said that she felt sorry for people who can see, but have no vision. One of my favorite Christian songs is “Amazing Grace.” The first part is: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. I was blind, but now I see.” On one occasion, as I was condemning another person for their actions, a Christian friend of mine told me that instead of talking about the other person’s faults, I should thank God for removing the blinders from my eyes. If only I could remember that every time I condemn another human being. The bottom line is that I take for granted what God has done for me. I think we are all guilty of taking some things for granted. One thing I take for granted is my health. All my life I’ve been blessed. I can walk (run if I want to) – I can hear well – I can feel – and up until the age of 40, I could see without the use of glasses. When I did need glasses, because of my vanity, I was quick to tell people that they were only for reading. At age 50, I jokingly told them I now use them only to see. Periodically, I get my eyes checked, and as time goes by, I need stronger glasses. Until this past Wednesday, I took for granted the ability to see with the use of (now I realize) much-needed glasses. What happened Wednesday? You guessed it! I lost my glasses! I misplaced them in my apartment. As I’m writing this article (Thursday morning), I haven’t found them. I’m not totally blind. I can see and recognize people, although their faces are blurred. I can drive with the use of my prescription sunglasses, but I can’t read. Talk about frustrating! My daily routine is waking up early, grabbing my glasses, reading the Bible, and the morning newspaper is a must as I drink my first cup of coffee. At first, I felt so handicapped and began dwelling on the misfortune of losing my glasses. Not until then did I realize how ungrateful I’ve been for all my blessings. I am reminded, in my present situation, of the beautiful song, “Amazing Grace.” I once was blinded by sin, but now, because of God’s grace, I can see and can easily indentify sin (the darkness). Today, I’m grateful that I have an appointment with the doctor for an overdue check-up. I will have new glasses soon. But what I’m most grateful for is that God removed the blinders from my eyes so that I could see the light of His saving power. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. Praise God! HAROLD KELLER is affiliated with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. He can be reached at P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084 or by calling (504) 652-8477.