by Rev. Michael Garrett
Some grow old gracefully,
others grow old tastefully.
Some grow old with frosty attitudes,
I want to grow old with an attitude of smooth.
At a certain age, the overwhelming majority of us will experience changes in vision. That has its own set of clinical and psychological issues. But growing old as a blind person is something in which I have personal experience.
Sometimes I believe having sight can be a distraction. Don't get me wrong; I miss the little vision I had. It was precious and allowed me more independence. But without it in the midst of growing older, I have a new perspective on life.
I now see things about myself and others that I couldn't see earlier. As vision dims and light turns to darkness, a whole new panoramic view of life has opened up. When I look at myself, I see a person trying to live up to the virtues related to my calling. Trying to be more loving, seeking peace, spreading joy, exhibiting kindness, self-control and patience while questing for truth, these are the characteristics I hope to put on display. As a result, I try to consider others' interests and needs equally as important as mine. It doesn't always work out that way, but the intent is there.
So, when I look at others, I see more deeply who that person is rather than what they look like. I've discovered that beyond the physical beauty of a curvaceous lady and the bulging muscles of a good-looking man, there's a real person in there. As I look inward at myself, I try to take stock of my actions, words and attitude, with the understanding that my behavior has an impact on others' feelings. In that same vein, I use my experience to see what others may be feeling or thinking. I've concluded that all of us have something to offer society. The question is, how can each person be encouraged to put their best foot forward?
That is my quest: to keep growing myself and encourage others to be their best selves. We are better together, and we can do so much more! It took me a long time to see these things, but my eyes are open, and I see better now than ever!