Wandering No More

By Hally Franz –

The surgery is planned for July 8^th. My daughter was recently diagnosed with strabismus, which is not to be confused with amblyopia. Until a month ago, I hadn’t heard of either one of these vision malfunctions. Rosaline has one eye that wanders (strabismus), but it is not necessarily a lazy eye (amblyopia). Her pediatric ophthalmologist assures us that her eye muscles can be aligned by the planned surgery, improving her vision and appearance.

Actually, I’ve never noticed much issue with the appearance of my daughter’s eyes. She’s Guatemalan-born with almond-shaped eyes framing ebony marbles. The doctor says the ailment would be considerably more noticeable on a Caucasian child, but her facial structure hides it somewhat. Still, it seems I should have been more aware of this; after all, I am her mother.

Rosaline’s doctor held a glass cube to my eye to demonstrate how she currently sees; it seemed like a foggy mess. This procedure is supposed to enable her to see dimension, because currently she has no depth perception. She relies primarily on her left eye, often while her right eye seems to do its own thing. Once the muscles are aligned, she will use both eyes in unison.

I’ve been thinking about how this will impact Roz. She’s fast and agile, though I wonder what athletic abilities may emerge after she can see more thoroughly. She’s been a fair student, but I have to believe that reading must be more difficult now than it soon will be. I am excited for her to discover what she’s been missing.

Often we don’t know what others are experiencing, spiritually speaking. A look into one’s eyes doesn’t always reveal what’s happening in the heart and soul. On the other hand, isn’t it amazing what happens to God’s children once they have experienced the saving grace of Jesus, accepted Him as their savior and been baptized?

When believers see through the lens of faith, life has more meaning, we see things more clearly, and we more fully realize our gifts and talents. Rather than wandering through life, there is purpose. I’m grateful for a doctor who can help my girl see better. I’m grateful for opportunities to reveal Him to those that don’t currently see. How exciting to help others see what they’ve been missing!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom to recognize when others need to hear about You, courage to share Your message, and inspired words that those not seeing need to hear.

“They said to Him, ‘Lord, that our eyes may be opened.’ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him” (Matthew 20: 33 – 34 NKJV).