Morning Moments

IX. Closing 6:11-17

I know what it's like not to be able to see very well. Until I was 65 years of age my vision was 20/600 in one eye and 20/400 in the other. I got my first pair of glasses when I was in the second grade and saw stars for the very first time in my life. Prior to that I sat in the front row desk and could not read the blackboard. After cataract surgery and implants, I now see 20/20 for the first time in my life.

A. Vision 6:11

11. Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

This verse makes it pretty clear that Paul had a vision problem after his conversion. Maybe it was the "thorn in the flesh", but in any event bad sight is a humbling experience. Obviously someone had to write his letters for him usually, but here he calls their attention to the "large" writing in his own hand. He couldn't run down to the nearest pharmacy or optometrist to pick up a pair of glasses.

I said it is humbling because when I was a boy there were those who would call me "four eyes". Besides that I was as skinny as a rail so I got a double whammy. It help shaped my character and I thank God for it. It gave me such a great compassion for those who are in one way or another less fortunate or less popular or just less. For a person who is independent as was my nature and certainly Paul's, it is difficult to depend on others to do for you, but it is an important lesson to learn sometimes.

BLESSINGS!