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Linda's Lines: Blurred vision

All your anxiety, all your care, bring to the mercy seat
face masks
In today's masked world it is sometimes difficult to discern who is behind those scraps of fabric.

I'm not sure when or where I found a small lapel pin. Small it is but so applicable in these days of masks and hidden facial features. Here's how it reads:

"Hi, I can't remember your name either."

It's those masks, those ever present pieces of fabric that cover most of the face, including the nose and for those of us who wear eye glasses, our proper line of vision, that blur or distort our ability to clearly discern who is behind them. Thankfully in most cases, hearing the voice or chatting with the mask-wearer clears up the distortion.

I've been thinking a lot about other types of blurred vision that I, and others, I'm sure, have also encountered during these times. For me, it's my near-obsession with crossword puzzles that counters my sense of frustration over the limitations associated with this "new normal." As well, and as shallow and tasteless as this may seem to some readers, it's my daily trek through the drive-through lane for my medium "steeped tea" that constitutes my social interactions.

This week, however, I've realized that all too many times I've failed to focus my attention on God and on His Word. As that realization hit home, I've thought of the words of this old hymn: "All your anxiety, all your care, Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there, Never a burden He cannot bear, Never a friend like Jesus!" (Edward H. Joy)

"For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]." (1 Corinthians 13:12)

What a vision that'll be!