Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Janet Perez Eckles
Reblogged February 9, 2019
I struggled in the kitchen, trying to find the box of cereal for my 3, 5, and 7-year old sons’ breakfast. At age 31, my sudden blindness had darkened my world in all aspects.
Everything in life became more difficult.
My parents observed and with tears, they expressed their concern. But I kept my anguish from them, hoping to avoid intensifying the pain they felt for me.
Then one day, my mom sat beside me on the couch, held my hands in hers and said, “What would you say about your father and I moving in with you? I can help you with the boys.”
I sighed with gratitude. My sons would be thrilled. And my husband pleased to have her help.
The transition for them wouldn’t be easy as they would gaie up their spacious condominium. Once with us, she and my father would be living in tight quarters in our home, but I knew their love could fill a football field. There would be enough to overcome all the inconveniences.
And so, they moved in.
We all began the adjustment period, stressful at times, but my mom’s delicate demeanor and caring nature made it easier for all of us to re-establish our roles.
Mom could have shown her love and support for me in many ways. But looking back, her sacrifice made Jesus’ words come alive for me: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).
Her Jesus-kind-of-love renewed my hope and fueled my desire to move forward. And the fact someone loved me enough to sacrifice for me sparked a new perception of my blindness.
My blindness wasn’t a handicap anymore.
It became a hope-filled adventure instead. Years later, through God’s grace and her support, my life has been filled with success, both personal and professional.
But this lesson she taught ever so tacitly, is the best reward: Seeing our physical surroundings isn’t as important as being willing to see beyond our own comfort and help those who need us most.
She still lives out that conviction.
Today, at 90, she continues strong, providing much more than physical assistance with the household chores. She radiates the power of love that dispels any darkness.
Like a priceless treasure, I have tucked her gift away in my heart. It’s laced with golden strings of gratitude.
Let’s Pray
Father, teach me how to give, how to show and reflect Your love even when it’s difficult, unfamiliar or inconvenient. Show me how to give the love that adds value to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Do you know anyone who needs the gift of your love?
Janet
______________________________________
Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.
CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.
Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.
Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.
Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR
Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.
Old Things R New 
lovely
LikeLike