A few months into my Montana 2014 move I went to the optometrist. A new patient, I had to fill out all of the paperwork - wait around the waiting room - browse the spectacles - you know, your ordinary visit to the optometrist.
A man in his late 40s and a young boy - maybe 8 - exited the exam room.
Got back to see the OD - and he seemed distracted - not anxious - not unprofessional - just... deep in thought.
Looked over my chart. Looked into my eyes - shined the light - "look over my shoulder," he directed ... and then he handed me these cards. There were 6 or so cards, and they were different colors, with circles that formed number combinations.
Like this:
I read off the numbers (in the case above, 74) and handed him back the cards and he looked at me and said, "I've been an optometrist for over 25 years - that test you just completed I performed on a little boy that just left here. He didn't read the numbers. In fact, he asked me if I could give him glasses that would make him see color."
The little boy was colorblind. He could see - but he couldn't see colors.
I distinctly recall walking outside and staring at the very blue sky of Montana and the white snow capped mountains which are a wondrous cornucopia of shades of grey, blue and purple. I took a very deep breath and felt thankful for color.
Some days - weeks - I get wrapped up in "the solution" part of life that I forget to balance it with the blessings. Today, I watched snow fall in the early dawn that sparkled like glitter - and tonight I looked around me and saw blankets of white wonder, people in bright coats with yellow shovels moving the heavy blankets aside - and for some reason - I was struck by the color of the shovel... and then remembered the little boy.
I live in the grace of moments that are recognized and unrecognized. I live a life filled with vivid, bright color and need reminders that I should not take it for granted. Just color. Just yellow.
Just right.
It's cold in Montana. There is snow e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. - and I love it.
May you recognize your own moments of grace. May color be a reminder of the amazing (and often unrecognized) parts of your life.
Much love - (like so much your heart smiles...)
- §
A man in his late 40s and a young boy - maybe 8 - exited the exam room.
Got back to see the OD - and he seemed distracted - not anxious - not unprofessional - just... deep in thought.
Looked over my chart. Looked into my eyes - shined the light - "look over my shoulder," he directed ... and then he handed me these cards. There were 6 or so cards, and they were different colors, with circles that formed number combinations.
Like this:
I read off the numbers (in the case above, 74) and handed him back the cards and he looked at me and said, "I've been an optometrist for over 25 years - that test you just completed I performed on a little boy that just left here. He didn't read the numbers. In fact, he asked me if I could give him glasses that would make him see color."
The little boy was colorblind. He could see - but he couldn't see colors.
I distinctly recall walking outside and staring at the very blue sky of Montana and the white snow capped mountains which are a wondrous cornucopia of shades of grey, blue and purple. I took a very deep breath and felt thankful for color.
Some days - weeks - I get wrapped up in "the solution" part of life that I forget to balance it with the blessings. Today, I watched snow fall in the early dawn that sparkled like glitter - and tonight I looked around me and saw blankets of white wonder, people in bright coats with yellow shovels moving the heavy blankets aside - and for some reason - I was struck by the color of the shovel... and then remembered the little boy.
I live in the grace of moments that are recognized and unrecognized. I live a life filled with vivid, bright color and need reminders that I should not take it for granted. Just color. Just yellow.
Just right.
It's cold in Montana. There is snow e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. - and I love it.
May you recognize your own moments of grace. May color be a reminder of the amazing (and often unrecognized) parts of your life.
Much love - (like so much your heart smiles...)
- §
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