Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:11-13 (NLT)
When I was in third grade my schoolwork slipped in quality. A teacher noticed that I could not see the blackboard and told my mom. After being fitted for a pair of sky blue eyeglasses that came to a point at my temple, I proclaimed, “I can see!” Because the change was gradual, I had no idea, nor did my mom, that my vision was so poor. Today, I had a similar revelation. May and June have been full of “wellness exam” visits required by my health insurance to stay in the top tier of coverage. I had noticed that I had to take my glasses off to read and that the vision in my left eye seemed fuzzy, but the doctor was surprised at how much change had taken place in that eye. He kept reassuring me that it was just old age (not so reassuring after all) and that a new prescription would fix me right up. I am not convinced it is just old age, especially after a visit to my primary care doctor who found my blood pressure high enough to warrant my sitting in the waiting room for thirty minutes for a recheck. I was alarmed to find out that changes in vision are a side effect of high blood pressure. I know, I know, its nothing to mess around with and I am back on my bike and watching what I eat again. There is nothing that will motivate me more to be healthy that the thought of blindness. Today, I picked up my new glasses and it was like being back in third grade again. I was amazed how much better I can see out of my left eye. Stripes on the side of a building are straight and stop signs are clear. I can read without removing my glasses again. But, I was surprised to find it is now my right eye that is out of focus. The technician assured me that it would soon be fine. All this time, it has been trying to compensate for its weaker partner. I had another, “I can see moment” this week. Now that I am being more careful of what I spend, I have some discretionary funds that I can use to help others. I used a little to encourage someone who has been faithful to a ministry despite some really hard times. When that person went to thank my husband, husband knew nothing about it because I hadn’t told him my plans. It was embarrassing for both of them. I realized that failing to include my husband when I make decisions like that not only robs him of the joy in giving, but implies, “This is my money, and I can spend it like I please.” I don’t plan to ask him permission, but I do think that giving needs to be a joint decision. Because like my eyes, both of us will be stronger if we act together instead of apart.
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