Seeing Clear Again

I just came back from Costco where I picked up my new glasses. It felt so nice to look at the reading chart and be able to read the words without trying to focus better. I'm grateful to not have broken frames that don't stay in place. Most of all I thank God for providing all my needs so I could get the glasses.

I'm very careful to have my eyes checked every two years but for the last three appointments I haven't been able to get the glasses. It wasn't so bad because my sight stayed about the same. This year my frames broke and even with getting them repaired once, they still didn't work well.

For about a year I have been praying that God would help me get the finances together for a new pair of glasses. I saved my Christmas money and sold some tires and all together I had $170.00. Two days before my eye appointment I pulled out my file to see what my glasses had cost the last time. My heart dropped when I realized they had cost me $268.00. That meant I was at least $100.00 short. I was disappointed but decided to have my eye exam and keep working towards the finances needed to get them later.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord."
(Isa. 55:8) God had already taken care of the situation. That same afternoon when I picked up the mail I was fascinated by a small silver envelope that seemed extra stuffed. I opened it and 5 twenty dollar bills fell out. My eyes watered so quickly I could hardly read the note attached. There was no explanation for the money, just a sweet note saying I was loved and had been in her prayers. This dear saint of God had no idea I had a need but she was quick to obey God's still small voice deep within her heart. I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of our Lord and the kindness and obedience of His children.

Valerie went with me to my eye appointment and helped me pick out the frames. When the bill was added and handed to me, I went weak. It was $418.00. I learned they no longer paid for any part of the glasses, only the eye exam. Valerie looked at me and said, "Mom, God has a plan. We are not giving up now." We went to Costco and ended up getting a better pair of glasses, with an upgrade in lenses for $274.90. I only had to come up with an additional $4.90. I was so excited and humbled by the experience that I gave my testimony to the optical assistant and everyone I saw that day.

"The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all His creation. I will thank you, Lord and will bless You. I will talk with others about the glory of your kingdom and celebrate examples of your power. I will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign." (Psalm 145:9-12, NLT personalized) These glasses will never be just an ordinary means of seeing better. Each time I put them on, I will remember how a compassionate God helped this widow see clearly again how much she is loved and cared for.