Depth Perception

Depth Perception

Theology in the Trenches

By Kathleen Kjolhaug

Far sighted, near sighted…it was all the same to me. Trying to remember which was which as a child was difficult. Opposites, however, came easy and thus my connection to each of the terms.

If you cannot see things far away, then you are near sighted. If you cannot see things close up, then you are far sighted. Rather a trip up in the exchange of wording, but it worked for the memory bank. Later in life I read the actual definition and it brought clarity.

If you can see things far away, you are far sighted and if you can see things near, then you are near sighted. It’s easier to understand in these terms.  However, when you need glasses, the doctors are  looking for what’s wrong with you instead of what’s right. Thus, they focus on the ability of what it is you can’t do…or what it is you need help with.

Oh my, after you read that a few times through and add a diagram to go with it, you perhaps are wondering where this is all going. I’m not sure yet. Let’s find out.

In essence the latter one above focuses on what our eyes can do right. When we can see far away and it is clear, then we have a name for that. When we can see things close up, then there is a name for that. Perhaps we need a name for those who can see both far and near, but apparently it is a rare find or they’d have a word for it too. 20/20 might do it, but I’d like to think of something a little more creative than that. Let’s see…I am thinking here…and I’m coming up with not one word, but five. “I can see just fine.”

I suppose we all say that but then, how do we really know unless we compare and contrast things that come into view. Case-in-point:  My dad recently had cataract surgery. He was feeling fine, thought he was seeing fine, but when he went to the doctor, it was discovered that he had a cataract and surgery was scheduled. Once completed, he commented on a picture upon a wall across the room and how he never knew the artist had painted sideburns on the man in the painting. He marveled at that for days enjoying his new outlook on the world.

Sort of reminds me of a third grader I once knew…standing within a crowded gymnasium. As the young college students completed their presentation, they simply asked. “If you believe in Jesus, please stand.”

As the shy young one found footing near the bleachers, she stood among many. Bowed heads prayed, and once home, she noticed the trees were greener, the air fresher, and it was if the whole world became three dimensional for the very first time. It was as if sight was given new vistas to view. There was depth in perception brand new and a belief so strong that she knew that she knew that she knew there was not only a God, but that He was made manifest and dwells among us.

As we prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords…who came as a babe in a manger so blinders could be removed and vision restored… may we read His word, hear it, or embrace it in song. May He bring into view that which is worthy of focus. “…In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19).  Amen.