I can see clearly now

• I can see clearly now

I am a stickler for keeping my calendar, always keep my appointments or reschedule when needed. My medical appointments and my health are very important to me, so I always keep my annual check-ups. For decades now, the doctor has said, “Debby, as we “mature” our bodies take a toll.” What he was telling me was I was getting old(er), so get used to it -- my body part warranty was wearing out! Believe me, I’ve lost or replaced quite a number of body parts. (I recently told a friend that if Jesus wanted to take me home a piece at a time, I’ll be all put together perfectly in heaven!

Then, about two months ago, my ophthalmologist told me I was a candidate for cataract surgery. Thrilled at the prospect of getting rid of glasses and being able to drive at night, I said, “Let’s git er dun!” Friends who have had the surgery were amazed with their improved vision after surgery. Well, they were right -- after the surgery I immediately thought of the oldies but goodies song, “I Can See Clearly Now:”

I can see clearly now the rain is gone I can see all obstacles in my way Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind It’s gonna be a bright (bright) Bright (bright) sunshiny day Imagine you are walking through an unfamiliar building when the lights suddenly go out. You blink, but you can’t see a thing. You don’t dare walk farther for fear of stumbling or knocking something over. You stand frozen in time, unsure of what to do or where to move. That was me before surgery.

Now imagine that the lights come on again. Suddenly you can see clearly. What a relief! As with my improved vision, it’s the same with Jesus, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12). “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark” (John 12:46).

We always see better when it is not raining. We enjoy life even more when we have overcome obstacles and the many problems that cloud our judgment. We can relate to those around us in a better way. Part of Jesus’ purpose in coming into this world of ours was to help us see God clearly.

So many times I have faltered and simply couldn’t find my way. I couldn’t see clearly because everything was clouding my “vision.” Then the light switch turns on. Perhaps I couldn’t see the end of the path, but I could at least see what path to take.

Here is what I have come to believe about doing life. You can go through the cancers of life in a helter-skelter way without God, or you can grow in the knowledge and light of Christ, walking in the light of God’s word, and CLEARLY see the rain, the obstacles, and black clouds as they come.

Do you feel like you’re still in the dark?

Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It!. isit her blog, The Second Mile, at www. debbyefurd.com and contact her by email (caryjohnefurdministries@ gmail.com).

Can’t Tell You