This past summer and early fall, I was hooked on a murder mystery series, received several novels to load on my Kindle, and participated on book launch teams. At one point, my eyes were dry and fatigued from reading. The print began to blur.
I took off my glasses, rubbed my eyes, and blinked. It took a while, but the lines on the screen assumed their rightful position. Later, as I glanced up at my TV screen, I noticed the images were much clearer to me without my glasses. I made an appointment with an ophthalmologist who declared I had 20/20 vision. Yes, I read the smallest line on the eye chart without glasses. What? I’ve worn glasses or contacts for over fifty years. I didn’t have a miracle healing, but I am the recipient of “second sight”—a temporary change in vision during early cataract development. Cataracts apparently, change the way light refracts through the lens and the result is vision improvement.
I moved into 2020 with 20/20 vision.
Many people set goals, make resolutions, or choose a word, motto, or Bible verse to live by. (click on the links for information) As they do, they have a vision for direction and how they want to live. When December 31 arrives, they hope to look back and see life change because of intentional choices.
After prayer and confirmation through reading over several weeks, I chose my word: “life”.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV
It’s a key verse in scripture with life-changing consequences. My questions this year will be: What steals time, kills joy, or destroys purpose? Is what I’m doing necessary, urgent, or a priority so I can “…take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:19 NIV)
And I’m asking, What interferes with that which is life-giving and then becomes life draining? How will I filter decisions and make choices? Where do I need to shift perspective, change attitudes, say “no” or “yes”?
With 20/20 vision I hope to see more clearly, even if it means revisiting and using a “second sight” to change and correct a course. When I look back on December 31, I hope to see I took hold of life to its fullest.
What about you and your 2020 vision? It’s the end of January with eleven months ahead. Did you choose a word, theme, motto, or verse? Or are you thinking about it? Share how you chose it and what you hope to see.
I’d heard of “second sight”, but never experienced it Ms Marilyn. Perhaps it’s dependent upon the type/placement of the cataracts. In my case, they were posterior to the lens and I want from poor vision to worse vision as the cataracts worsened. Post-surgery though, I am 20/20 at arm’s length, which I think is pretty good to have for a writer. 🙂 I never choose a single word to focus on for a year, but have decided to follow where God leads me this year by trying to be say “Yes Lord” with more ease in the coming year. I’m looking forward to comparing notes with you at year’s end and seeing all the blessings that came from our year of surrender my friend.
“Yes Lord” will take you to many places JD and I believe at year’s end you will see Ephesians 3:20.
Thanks for your comment and sharing my posts. Marilyn
I had not picked a word for 2020, but as I was reading your post, it came to me that “grace” is my wish this year. I want to be able to grant grace to all with whom I have contact. That means I need to be more patient, understanding, kind, and compassionate. Perhaps most important, I need to remember that Jesus grants me grace every moment or every day and I should do that for others. Thank you for inspiring me!
You are welcome! Your choice of the word “Grace” will have many opportunities to be real in a single day. Blessings, MariLyn
Marilyn, I love this post!
It contains so much good meat—such wisdom.
I want to examine my use of time and energy to see where I am not on track with God’s purpose.
I’m sharing this on my FB and hope other will be encouraged by is as well. Thank you.
And … That second vision thing is really cool.
Thanks for sharing and your life/giving words. Marilyn
I’ve never heard of this before, but how wonderful that God grants that grace! I love the reminder to look at this year with the right perspective. It’s something I needed to hear this morning!
Emily, so glad it meet a need for you. Thanks for sharing that. Marilyn
I’m still thinking about my word for 2020. I love your post. And I too long for the corrected vision God wants me to have as I begin this new year
Yes–corrected vision! It took me a while to find my word, so don’t rush the process. When you do, Jeanne, I’d love to know how you landed on it. Marilyn
Marilyn, the questions you posed in connection to your 2020 word will guide us in making wise choices. It’s easy to attend to distractions more than what most important. Thank you for sharing these verses and questions. My word is dwell. I want to focus more on God’s presence.
Thanks Jeannie. It’s often easy to see the difference between good and poor, but another way to look at our choices is good, better, and best. Dwelling is a way to do that. Marilyn
What a great word for the year! I look forward to see how God teaches you throughout the year.
K.A., I’m looking forward to it too! I had a moment when I could have responded to a request to do a “good” task, but paused and determined it was not my best choice and would be life-draining. It gave me peace to do that. Hope I can be as intentional all year. Marilyn
Loved this perspective on choosing a word to focus on for the new year. And what particularly struck me was this: As Marilyn is giving examples of how she will reflect on the word “Life” during the coming year, she says: “What interferes with that which is life-giving and then becomes life draining?” That’s so true. Sometimes things that start out life-GIVING can evolve into something else, and if we’re not looking for that kind of change we won’t even think about preventing it or fixing it. Really great insights for 2020!
Thank you Karen, for sharing your insights and joining the conversation. Marilyn