I want to share with you what is going on in my life this week, because I believe our life story as Christians has power to encourage and help others who face similar situations.I finally found an experienced eye surgeon in my city who takes my insurance. Yesterday I had an appointment with him to schedule cataract surgery on my right eye, which has gotten so bad I can’t drive. After a whole bank of tests he told me that I have severe glaucoma that has already permanently damaged my peripheral vision. He gave me some eye drops to reduce the pressure in my eyes and prevent further damage. I will see him again on Friday and if the drops are working, he will schedule the surgery and bring my right eye up to the same level as my left. Then he hit me with the harsh truth that because of the peripheral damage I will not be able to drive again even after the surgery. My independence is seemingly lost for good.
I’m reminded of the experience I shared with you last week about feeling my way around during the power outage. Was that God’s way of warning me to take better care of my eyes? If left untreated, glaucoma can cause sudden and permanent blindness. With continued treatment my sight will remain good enough to do virtually everything except drive. Because of the cataract, I have already experienced a loss of independence these last few months, so now I will work on long term solutions. In the meantime, a wonderful brother in Christ who lives near me and is retired has been driving me to medical appointments and other places I need to go. Several other Christian friends have volunteered to run errands for me. GOD IS GOOD.
Blessings and trials are inevitable parts of the Christian life. Old age just presents a different set of challenges, but it is still a life of blessings and trials. The key at any age is to concentrate on and praise God for the blessings and then allow the Holy Spirit to get you through the trials. I am praising God that I can continue my blog and view the beauty of God’s creation. The Holy Spirit is already helping me find inexpensive transportation options that are available to seniors in my area. I’m confident He will also find suitable assisted living quarters for me when that time comes.
If we follow Jesus Christ in faith and obedience, we can look forward to His blessings and His strength and provision to get us through every challenge or trial we will face. Then, at the end of our tour of duty here on earth, we will experience the blessing of eternal life in God’s full presence while leaving behind the pain, hardships and trials of this life.