Nearsighted

For as long as I can remember, I've had to wear some type of contraption or device to aid my vision.  At one point, my sight was degrading so rapidly I had to visit the optometrist as often as you do the dentist.  Every time I went I came out with a new prescription.  I am VERY nearsighted.  Without glasses or contacts, I couldn't see the words on my monitor about a foot away.

Like I said, dealing with these vision problems is nothing new.  However, about three years ago, it came to my attention that I had another vision problem.  You see, for many years prior to this there were three men I really looked up.  Each one was successful in their own.  One was a man of integrity beyond reproach.  Another was a man of great faith and service.  The other was a success in business.  I tried to hold myself to the standards I saw in these men and failed.  As a result, what I saw in the mirror was less man and more boy.

I was spiritually nearsighted.  My vision beyond them was blurred.  I love and respect these men deeply, but they are not worthy of the esteem with which I held them.  I set my standards too low.  The mark I should have been aiming for was that of Christ.  It, too, is a mark I will NEVER make this side of heaven, but I'm good with that. I know I will be rewarded for the effort.  It's funny.  When I was failing in what I thought I should be succeeding at, I was miserable.  Now that I'm failing in something I know can never live up to, I've never felt better.

Christ knows we can't be like him.  He was perfect.  I had a pastor that was fond of saying the Christian life was not difficult.  It was impossible.  There's a certain comfort in that thought.  There was only one perfect man to walk this earth, and I'm not him.  My vision is much clearer now than it was three years ago, and, unlike looking at the sun, if I keep looking at the Son, my eyesight can only improve.