When I was in third grade, I had a really tough time reading the chalkboards during class. I could focus and understand the material, but reading the assignments and following along in the textbooks really confused me. I inched my chair closer and closer to the board, but nothing helped me understand the writing that was on the board. After a month, my grades were still good, but I depended on my classmates to tell me what was written on the board. I thought it was just a phase and would pass in a little while.
However, my problems only continued to mount. I had many confusing nights and frustrations trying to do my schoolwork. At times, I thought my mind was playing tricks on me. The words on the pages would rearrange themselves, and I felt that I was left in the dark on many subjects. I did not understand what we had been learning. I wanted to quit and throw in the towel, but my teacher continued to push me to finish the work.
My parents understood the problems I was facing. They made me get my eyes checked again at the local vision center. Reluctantly, I went to see the optometrist. Come to find out, I needed glasses. I was dyslexic and colorblind. What a revelation! I was amazed that my problems in school were fixed with a pair frames.
For the remainder of the school year I did not have any problems reading the chalkboards or the textbooks. My grades began to improve, and I understood the remainder of the lessons in the third grade. I felt as though the light bulb in the dark room had been turned on. I could keep up with the other children in the class and finish my homework correctly.
Today I still wear my glasses and get stronger prescriptions almost every year. When I place my frames on my face, I remember the difficultly that I had when I was without them. Glasses fixed my focusing problems and brought everything that I read into an understanding.
People who look to God and have God-centered lives seem to have a better focus on life’s issues. They have a better understanding of their purpose in the world. They know that worldly possessions really don’t matter, and what really matters in life is having a relationship with God. He wants to know you personally and not just be your acquaintance.
My third grade the teacher’s love also reflected God’s heart. He continually urges us to do our best and try to be a good example to others. He wants us to succeed in life, and He challenges us with obstacles in life’s journey. Some of the bumps and detours in our lives can be confusing and frustrating. But there is a hope; God gave us a guide that has all of the answers. The Bible has clear examples of how to live and what to do in different circumstances that life throws our way. It helped me miss some of the dangerous pitfalls and traps the devil placed in my path. He has helped me to finally see things clearly.
