With the year coming to a close and open enrollment starting, I was reminded I had a couple of benefits I wanted to take advantage of before the year end, like having my eyes checked. I knew that it changed based on me picking up my husband's reading glasses more often to read the fine print.
I was still determining where to go since I hadn't been to an optometrist for the last two years, so I picked the one that accepted my insurance and found one conveniently nearby. I made my appointment, traced the directions, and arrived a few minutes beforehand. I walked in and admired the rows upon rows of frames. Since I was early, I perused the colorful stack of inventory. Some caught my attention. They were unique, but not for me; maybe, if I were 20 years younger, I would've enjoyed the flamboyant styles. And then some of the frames were too small for my big face and didn't fit. Some frames were in style years ago but not my current style. And then there were others that I really liked but that my wallet didn't approve of. I felt like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Some were too big, some too soft, and then ones that were just right. I had fun sifting through, taking pictures of myself with different frames, and sending them to my family for their approval.
And then it was test time. I went to a small room with four machines on a table. I had to go through each one. The technician was sitting on one side and me on the other, and we did each of the tests from right to left. The technician would tell me to stare at a sticker while he looked through a lens and took images of my eyes. Then, there was the glaucoma test—the one that I dislike the most—when the puff of air blows into your eyeball. Even if you brace yourself, you can never be ready. If you have never had it before, it doesn't hurt, but it startles you. Thankfully, I passed both times and didn't have to repeat the tests.
After I finished, I went to the exam room and waited for the optometrist to do the usual eye tests. I walked in, looking for the phoropter machines I'm used to seeing, where the optometrist sits nearby and moves a dial back and forth, but the technician explained that their facility has the latest and greatest technology. It's now done where the tests are completed through a phoropter machine, but with a technician who does the exam virtually. He flipped through different slides, and I had to tell him the lines of letters that were easiest to read. He did one eye and then the other and then both. There were different colors and distances of images that I had to talk him through. I was pleasantly surprised at how quick and easy it was. After he was done, the results went to the optometrist, who was also remote. She popped up on the TV screen. She read and discussed my results and provided me with my new prescription. She mentioned that my retina was healthy. She asked if I planned on glasses or contacts and explained what would benefit me with my current vision, and then my appointment was over. I felt a wave of relief and reassurance, knowing that my eyes were healthy.
I used my eye visit as a reminder to do a life vision check for 2025. I plan to dive into the new year only after reviewing my current vision. What is God showing me for 2025? How similar is it to 2024, and does it require tweaking or complete revamping? I must go back and check what I can see with clarity, releasing whatever may now be blurry. I can't afford to stay stuck on a vision from years ago when God may have something new for me now. It's like the optometrist who switches back and forth, asking me which screen is more precise. Only move forward when you can clearly see what God reveals to you.
Where there is no vision, the people perish. ~Proverbs 20:18a (KJV)
We are ordered to follow Jesus. But in order for me to follow Him, I have to see Him. And for me to see Him, I have to make sure my eyesight is pellucid and not clouded. I have to confirm God's view versus mine to ensure it's one in the same.
Come follow me. ~Matthew 4:19a (NIV)
I have my new prescription and will pick up my new lenses in a couple of weeks. I'm praying God will give me a new prescription for 2025 too. New eyes to see and a new vision to follow after Him.
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