The other day I was going for my usual evening run after work. I got started a bit later that day so the sun began setting about my 5th (and final) mile of my run. I was running without Allie Bama (thankfully) and had just stepped onto the road because the sidewalk was non-existent due to construction. I was running as close to the edge of the road as I possibly could in an effort to dodge oncoming cars. Over the course of a few minutes, the sun had managed to set to the perfect location in the sky- a location that blinded me almost entirely to what lay ahead of me. Dangerous? Slightly...I mean, I'm already trying to dodge oncoming cars with clear vision let alone being blinded by light of the sun! My first reaction/thought to this predicament was annoyance and frustration. I mean really?! I'm on my last mile of my run and nearing a half mile from my house. The sun couldn't have waited 5 more minutes to position itself in that exact blinding location? Geez! I couldn't see a thing! I tried squinting my eyes- no luck. I tried running hunched over (as if that would help)- no luck. I tried running faster- no luck (in more ways than one). I was annoyed. And, it was dangerous! I couldn't see cars approaching me. All I did was pray that the cars would see me and avoid me.
But then it hit me- and I had a complete paradigm shift.
Yes, I was blinded by the light. But why was I so annoyed by that? Isn't that EXACTLY how we are called to live? Shouldn't that be my prayer every single day? Shouldn't I be asking God to blind me with His light and His will? When I was blinded by the sun I literally couldn't see what was in front of me- nothing. I had to trust Him with every step I took and all that happened around me. I didn't have control.
Instead of being annoyed and frustrated with it- I realized that I should be striving to be "blinded by the light" every single day of my life. Blinded of my will and the will of others- blinded by His will alone. I'm so thankful for this reminder!
Jesus, let this become my prayer. Let me be blinded by your light and your will- forced to trust you and rely on you alone.
"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."
-Jeremiah 10:23
Verses About 'Light':
"He has redeemed my soul from going down into the pit, and my life shall look upon the light." - Job 33:28
"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light." -Psalm 36:9
"Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling."
- Psalm 43:3
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105
