FOR ALMOST TEN YEARS THEY HAVE HUNG across my office window softly filtering the light and obscuring the view. Over the past few month the dusty white sheer curtains have begun to show their age with rips and tears. Alas, I have removed them…but therein is the problem.
The light they once filtered now comes through with increased brightness, and in the late afternoon, with increased heat. The view that was once softly obscured is now strongly evident, not to mention the dirty windows that I have left unwashed for too long. It is amazing how much “seeing” these see-through drapes have hindered. One has to wonder if it would not have been better to leave the torn sheers in place, but it’s too late now.
As I contemplated my new “view” I thought about the prayers I have prayed to God to help me see Him and His world more clearly. In many ways my vision was obscured by a sheer vale, allowing me to see, but not really. In asking God to help me see more clearly He has removed the drapes from my eyes, and in the process I have seen things that I wish were still softly veiled.
Yes, I do see his brightness and glory, but I also see the dirt upon my windows, and the activities of life around me. I find myself more easily distracted, watching, curious, but I also experience more heat as well. I wonder if it would not have been better to not pray that prayer.
But it’s too late now!