Blind but Seeing

Our dog, Jack, has made several other dog friends over his years of running and playing in the parks where we live. One dog, named Ozzie, is a pug, a few years older than Jack. Ozzie has had eye problems from the day we met. It had been nearly two months since we had seen Ozzie, when earlier this week, we saw him and his human Mom walking in the park. Jack and I were both so happy to find them. As I neared I could instantly see — Ozzie had no eyes. The sockets were deep where his eyes had once been. Fur now lined the sockets. Ozzie could no longer see even a blur or be able to tell if any sunlight was gleaming. Ozzie was totally and completely blind.

As we walked along, his mother and I talking, she explained the vet recommended decision to have Ozzie’s eyes removed. I watched Ozzie. He and Jack were side by side, busy in their sniffing enjoyments. Ozzie seemed to know when Jack would move so he moved, too. Jack has always been a kind dog, often displaying sensitivity to another dog’s needs. Ozzie’s mom and I continued to walk and talk. She looked back at one point to see Ozzie and Jack a good distance behind us. “Come Ozzie, come,” she called. Ozzie came running straight to us and we continued walking on. To any onlooker, Ozzie seemed like any dog running towards his owner’s voice, but I knew it was far more than that — his owner’s voice was all he had to go on. What trust he displayed.

I have thought about this all week. I thought of John Newton’s famous song, “Amazing Grace,” with the lyrics, “I once was blind but now I see.” So true in our spiritual worlds. Without Jesus, one must blindly, in his or her own ability, muddle through life as best one can. Wonderfully, with Jesus, He is our Light who guides our way. We are never again on our own to navigate life’s tricky paths. Jesus has the best plans for us, and the Holy Spirit becomes our eyes, whispering which way to go, speaking out that we may hear and follow.

When we are in the darkness of grief, He calls out, Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28 NIV). When we can’t see which way to go, the Holy Spirit points and says, This is the way, walk in it (Isaiah 30:21 NIV). When we feel alone in the darkness of despair, the Lord reminds us, I will never leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

Beautifully, we have each other, too, for we are told by Paul in Galatians 6:10, As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (NIV). Paul also encourages us to, Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2 NLT). This is what I saw Jack doing with Ozzie. Jack knew something wasn’t right, so he stayed right alongside his blind friend, nuzzling encouragement every now and again, sniffing together, strolling together. Ozzie knew he was not alone. He had the watchful eyes of his mother and he had his friend alongside him.

If anyone feels blind this week, walking in the dark, not knowing which way to go, tell Jesus. He will guide you along the way. If anyone feels alone, needing something with skin on, share with a trusted friend. Give someone the opportunity to carry your burden with you, to comfort and encourage, just like Jack did to Ozzie.