During the day I wear contact lenses. The problem with that is that, while my distance vision is good, I can't see well enough to read anything close to me or to clearly work on my computer. So, I have computer glasses that I keep at my desk, and another pair of fancy schmancy glasses that I take to meetings that allow me to read paperwork in front of me but still clearly see other faces in the meeting.
I have a (very expensive) pair of progressive lenses that I wear when I'm not wearing my contacts. With those babies I can see far and I can see near. I usually only wear those at home though.
I carry a pair in my purse so I can read menus and labels when I am shopping.
I have a pair in my home office, a pair in my knitting box, a pair in the bathroom, and a pair in the kitchen.
Last night as I was getting ready for bed I took out my contact lenses stood for a moment looking at the orchid that Gerry had given me a few days ago. Without the benefit of corrective lenses of any kind, I saw those beautiful blooms with a clarity that I had not seen before. They were stunning!
With my aging eyes naked, so to speak, I found that my vision for things right in front of my face is crystal clear. Being the introspective sort that I am I wondered if there was a lesson there for me.
I wonder, as we get older, if we're meant not to focus more on what's "out there" but to turn our eyes and our attention to that which is right in front of us. Important things like family, friends, and that which we were meant to spend our time on.
Could it be that there comes a time when we are meant to stop driving so hard to attain some of those goals we had when we were younger?
Could it be that it's okay to take the time to play with a baby, read a book, take a nap, and marvel at the beauty of an orchid?
9 comments:
Love this post! I chuckled because I have the glasses problem too...though I can't wear contacts.
There are times when I need to take off my glasses so I can see more clearly what is right in front of me without the distraction of things and people in the distance.
What a great post, Linda! I've struggled with my eyesight since first grade. I used to wear contacts all the time, now I just wear them for special occasions or for going out.
I think that all of us, young and old, could benefit from looking more at what is right in front of us. :-)
This was a very enjoyable post to read. Love the inspirational encouragement!
"I wonder, as we get older, if we're meant not to focus more on what's 'out there' but to turn our eyes and our attention to that which is right in front of us."
I like that a whole lot better than thinking I'm going blind, or bats! I have glasses everywhere too.
Come to think of it, all the truly rich & good stuff of life IS right in front of/within us/me. I can see it as clear as a crystal with my eyes shut.
Blessings,
Kathleen
My husband and I both wear glasses, and mine have progressive lenses. When we want to see each other's faces up close and in focus it involves such comical chin-lifting and head turning we often end up laughing before just giving up and taking our glasses off.
Ah-hah! Maybe that why the writing bug didn't hit me until I turned 50. I never had, or took, the time to ponder before that!
I love your analogy, Linda. I find myself looking more inward and as you say, at things right in front of me, finding out what is truly important. Thank you so much for sharing your writing. You are an inspiration.
Yes it is! I have my goals but there are moments in my life when I need to look closer at what I really need to do--like working right now--as much as it breaks my heart to not be able to write like I did. It's important that we survive and put my husband through college--that's the close-up view in my life.
My grandson and daughter and family are coming on Tues. Now I can tell you that everything else around me will be tossed aside so I can hug up on them!
I enjoyed your post...I'm a former contact wearer. I enjoyed my contacts...but now that I'm older I can't afford them anymore, but that used to be...contacts, sometimes, reading glassess ,...computer glasses for work...etc.
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