Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.  Acts 9:8-9; 17-18

Sun rays beamed down from a beautiful summer sky. Windows rolled down, Hampton steered the 18-wheeler straight along Highway 40 through Oklahoma while conversing with his father. There just couldn’t be anything better than long haul truck driving with your father as your partner.

As the big rig headed underneath an overpass the explosion was sudden and intense. Glass from the windshield sprayed in every direction. Hampton had only seconds to react and get that Semi off the road. To his credit, he was able to do it safely within a quarter of a mile.

Chaos ensued as police and medical technicians surrounded them. Bryan, our father, was fine but where was Hampton? It would be a couple of hours before Hampton and Bryan were reunited in the hospital where Hampton was being treated with glass in his eyes.

It was later learned that the explosion was the result of some teenagers having “fun” throwing bricks off of the overpass. I am assuming they never thought of the consequences of such behavior.

But, let me reiterate that last part. Hampton drove that semi-truck a quarter of mile on the highway with glass in his eyes and was able to help them to safety.

Open my eyes, Lord, that I may see
the path You have placed before me.

Open my ears, Lord, that I may hear
the message Your word speaks quietly.

Open my heart, Lord, that I may know
the truths You have placed within my soul.

Open my eyes, Lord, remove from them
all that is keeping my focus dim.

Open my ears, Lord, that I may listen
as one intent on not missing a thing.

Open my heart, Lord, that I may pursue
a life consumed solely of You.

Open my eyes, ears, and heart dear Lord
that I become less and You become more. 

  (tweet this)

~Marcell Warner Bridges
©17 January 2016, All Rights Reserved.

 

I can relate to my brother’s story. As a child of 5 years old, I was poked in the eye and it scratched the cornea causing me to not be able to see until after laser surgery removed the problem. It hurt like crazy and for a month I had to wear a patch over my eye all of the time. Then I had wear sunglasses anytime I went outside for another couple of months. 

BridgesCreations, 2016

It’s really hard to see and to focus when there is something blocking our view. 

I wonder, what is keeping us from seeing God clearly? What spot, scratch or debris do we need to remove from our eyes so we can focus on Him today?

From My Heart to Yours,
Marcie 

For Further Reflection: 

Read the story of Saul’s conversion in Acts 9 

 What is keeping you from focusing your eyes clearly on Jesus?