Removing the Blindfold
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV
I was that kid on the bus. The one often at the window seat, staring out at the world in silent sadness. The one listening to the stories being shared by my friends. Stories of their weekend antics and plans for the next. Wondering what made me so different that our friendships remained within the confines of the school walls and related activities.
But this time was different, and I was full of expectant anticipation. My world was about to be opened before my very eyes; but for the moment, my eyes were blindfolded.
We were on a high school summer trip to the beach. For me, and a few others, this wasn’t your average summer beach trip. This was our first time, and we had been blindfolded several miles away, before we could see the slightest hint of the vast blue sea.
The conversations around me were expectant. Being momentarily deprived of my sense of sight led me to be more aware of my excitement, as well as the ongoing conversations around me. Where I had expected comments speculating why it had taken me so long to get to the beach, when it was a common summer vacation for them, instead I heard their own excitement in counting down the miles for us newbies. When they exclaimed that they could see the ocean, but we still had miles to go before our stop, I couldn’t wrap my mind around it.
How vast could it really be?
After an excruciating amount of time, someone guided me from my seat, slowly and carefully down the bus steps, and onto the beach.
Then I heard it.
The gentle lapping and occasional churning thunder of the waves, coming closer and closer. The dry, uneven sand which became wet and firmer as I was guided closer. The sea breeze kissed me for the first time, and I knew from that moment I would forever crave its salty whispers.
The moment I had anticipated for so long had finally arrived. I was assisted in removing my shoes. Still blindfolded, I was guided to the water’s edge. I was invited to keep my eyes down as my blindfold was removed, and then to slowly raise my gaze to the sea. My eyes were glued to the sight below me, the white and foamy waves lapping at my toes. The sand receding beneath my feet.
Then, slowly, my eyes lifted to take in the breathtaking vastness of the sea.
That moment marked the beginning of a journey of understanding just how vast God’s love is for us. For the first time in my life, I couldn’t see a boundary. No mountains, no tree line, nothing separating the ocean from the sky. They seemed to go on forever.
And that’s what I’ve learned of God’s love for us. God’s unending, unconditional love that spans as far as the east is from the west. Love that goes on forever. Love so vast we can’t fathom its depth or breadth. Love that knows no bounds.
Love for that girl staring out the window, wondering if life would always pass her by. Love for the tired young mom who yearns for a decent night’s sleep. Love for the empty-nester searching for purpose. Love for the widow, the orphan, the depressed, the lonely, the fearful, and the oppressed. God’s love is greater than all our circumstances combined.
What is blinding you to God’s vast, immense love for you? What boundaries are you putting up that are stopping you from fully receiving God’s unconditional love for you?
God, we pray for the soul coming to you in this moment, with the blindfold holding her back from fully receiving your boundless love and grace. We pray the blinders would be removed, and that she would experience your love, grace and peace that passes all understanding. It may be a daily decision, to repeatedly release to you our concerns, worries and fears. May we do so as often as it takes, and in so doing, fully receive the vast depth of your life-changing, unconditional love. Amen.
-Laura Greer, Laura.Greer@LongsChapel.com
Women2Women
Women2Women is a ministry that encourages women to cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ, while also exploring how God has uniquely created, gifted, and called each of us. We connect with women where they are in life’s journey, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, health and wellness, intergenerational fellowship, friendship, and mentoring. Events and retreats are targeted to the needs of women so we can grow deeper in our faith, develop our gifts and abilities, and establish long lasting friendships. For more information contact Laura Greer at (828) 456-3993, ext. 204 or Laura.Greer@LongsChapel.com, or Vickie Staib at (828) 646-8819.
