Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

— Mark 8:25

On a work trip recently, I lost my glasses. I think they are hanging on a cactus somewhere in Arizona. After my glasses disappeared, the last few days of the trip were a bit blurry, to say the least. I have since ordered new glasses, but in the meantime I am wearing an old pair. Not quite as blurry, but definitely not clear and sharp.

It’s important to be honest. The blind man in our story today had the choice to tell Jesus the truth or to go through life seeing a blur. Because of the man’s honesty, Jesus touched him a second time and brought him from blurry vision to clear sight. I bet he was beyond overwhelmed at what he could see.

There are times when we have been blinded by our circumstances, our pain, or all the distractions around us. A friend may step in and invite us into a conversation with Jesus. If we accept the invitation, we may have an opportunity to be healed by Jesus.

What I love about this story is that Jesus asks, in effect, “What are you seeing?” Sometimes our healing can take place progressively rather than instantaneously. Jesus walks with us. He continues to engage in the conversation, and he asks for our honesty.

When we admit where we are in our circumstances, Jesus continues taking us from blurry sight to clarity. What do you see today?

Jesus, help us to be honest and to accept that you bring clarity. Show us your love for us and for others. Amen.