Almost two months ago I went to my eye doctor for my semi-annual check up. Up until six years ago, the eyes were mostly okay. But retinal hemorrhages in both eyes, fortunately at different times, where I lost all sight changed all of that...and in a big way!
So you can imagine where my feelings and thoughts landed when I completed these semi-annual tests only to be told that I had "significant deterioration in my visual field" and that my eye pressure was way up. Surprised? Yes! More like completely knocked off my horse.
Through various medications and eye drops, everything had been stabilized for nearly half a decade. What's this all about ... and NOW?
And in a round about way, Mike, a recent friend, happened to mention Jason Upton's song Sons and Daughters to my beautiful bride. Well, of course, I'm checking out Jason's website ... like almost immediately. I'd never heard of Jason or his work. But I valued Mike's walk with God and I wanted to HEAR what this music "said."
I learned that Mr. Upton had just released a new album, 1200 Feet Below Sea Level ...and of course being the driven sort of fellow that I am, I went to iTunes, listened to a sampling or two, found it not so objectionable, and BOUGHT IT.
Now, get this picture in your minds eye. I had just been told that I had some serious VISION problems. Parts of my retina were dead. My visual fields were deteriorating despite close monitoring and expensive medications. And I clicked onto Jason Upton's 11th track on his new CD to hear: Where my vision died, You walked in my eyes to some thing that I had never seen.
Download that 11th track and listen to those first few lines to get the full picture. BLOWN AWAY. Melted. Tears. I cannot do justice with words to what I was thinking and feeling in that moment.
TRUE FATHER prepared me well for a moment such as this. Through the awesome writings of John Eldredge, I have become aware and open to the "larger story." It was time for me to step up. I was no longer to do what I'd historically done, especially when challenging health issues reared their ugly heads, and run to the lone ranger thing. Most of you know what I'm talking about. We hide our imperfections....our vulnerabilities. Yep. I'm guilty....this tendency to run to being alone.....fighting the fight ALONE....by yourself.
You know, that's really not necessary. We were not meant to live that way.
Just like Jason's lyrics entreated us to do, I called upon God. Call to Me and I will answer you. Yes! HE has answered. No surgery required! Everything is stable! All is well!
Thank You, Father! Thank You for coming....and much more.
My lady arose mightily. Thank you, Rebecca!
My strong and valiant daughters stood up and proved strong. Thank you, Katherine and Margarett!
My son offered his strength. Thank you, Drew!
And friends, allies, and mighty warriors rallied. Thank you, Bryan & Tara, Bart & Tannah, Darren, John, Mike, Nathan, and others that I've not named but our Father knows clearly. Thank you one and all!
He has answered. He has give me peace I have not known.
And for YOU.... call upon our Father. I am living proof that He answers us when we call upon Him.
