Perception

What does perception mean to you? The dictionary: the act of perceiving or apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind.

Writing today was not on the list of to do’s, but because of a post by an acquaintance, one for whom prayers are lifted daily, due to a crushing diagnosis of glioblastoma. This is a fatal disease that is taking the ability to read, to see, to write and will eventually lead to death. Sight is being blocked out from the removal of a large tumor in the left occipital lobe that governs vision and reading comprehension. This touched a place in my heart from my blog yesterday about our senses, particularly vision. So many of us (me!) are so visual.

No longer “seeing” with eyes, a different kind of sight has emerged. Do we see with the mind’s eye or of the heart? With successful cataract surgery a year ago, my vision is 20/20, very clear with vibrant colors, no glasses even for reading. The beauty of the pool area and preserve behind is calming, peaceful, filled with palms, palmettos, bamboo, and few oaks next door. What feeling would emerge if the vision was being slowly blocked out? Memories would be all that remained? Eyes closed, the memories would have to guide the senses, perhaps removing blind spots…everyone has them. Isaiah 42:16

It’s easy to become entangled in the abilities possessed, the gift of sight taken for granted. Open the Eyes of My Heart, a Christian song written and recorded by Paul Baloche, as well as others.

“Open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see You. See You high and lifted up, shinin’ in the light of Your glory, pour out Your power and love as we sing , holy, holy, holy.”

What’s the perception of vision, of sight? Is it linear? Can it be broadened from the view of the eyes only? Let us “see” with our hearts; internal sight of God’s covenant, strength, goodness, light in the darkness.