Yesterday I decided to wear my glasses instead of contacts. While out working in the garden they were abruptly and accidentally knocked off as Lily stepped in too close and whacked me in the face. I was a little stunned for a minute but then went intently back to work. Since I rarely wear them I didn’t really notice that my glasses had been knocked off. Then I looked up and things began looking blurry. (for those that don’t know, I am legally blind without glasses) I couldn’t figure out what was wrong because I’d forgotten that I’d been wearing glasses. (for those that don’t know, I have sporadic bouts of amnesia 🙂 ) Once I figured out that I was previously wearing glasses I started summoning for help. I knew that if I made one wrong step I could break the glasses. Stephen and Mason came to my aide and Mason eventually found them lying in one of our square foot gardens. I placed them back on top of my nose, smiled as I realized how amazing it is to see with full vision once again and then continued weeding. I began thinking about how wonderful it is to be able to see and how grateful I am for eye correction in these modern days.
As night set in, I thought of an analogy using my glasses experience as I contemplated Stephen’s impending trip to Guam. I decided that Stephen is like a pair of glasses for me. When he is physically away from me my life is hazy and not completely in focus. He is my support and cheerleader amidst lifes challenges. He stabilizes me and gives me vision in life. He takes my breath away and can encourage me in a way that nobody else will ever be able to do. I am happy to announce that after 15 years, I am still in love with the boy who knocked me off of my feet and made me begin to think spontaneously. I know when he comes home with his big hug that my vision will clear up and my heart will smile.
Another analogy that presented itself because today is Mother’s Day, is how a mother is her children’s pair of glasses. A righteous mother who desires to teach her children of “who they really are, why they are here, and where they came from” is like her children’s pair of spiritual glasses. My mother guided me along life’s journey for 19 years and taught me many important values and principles along the way. She gave me vision and understanding as she went about joyfully serving (and still does). She sharpened my view as she bore testimony and shared personal examples of how choosing the right was the best choice. I didn’t have to learn many things the hard way because I knew I could trust her and the things she taught by the spirit. She walked with me into the ward chapel each Sunday and encouraged me to keep my promises. She expected and anticipated that one day I would spiritually see 20/20 on my own. Now it is my turn to pass on some eternal vision & legacy that has been placed before me.
p.s. Thanks Lily for making me feel so special today. You set out all of the gifts you had prepared from school and activity days last night and insisted I go back to bed so that you and Olivia could bring me breakfast in bed. I appreciate you gearing me up with excitement yesterday as you said, “I bet you are so excited for your special day tomorrow.” I am the luckiest mom in the world.