Through Glasses Dimly

Last fall my 90-year-old mother-in-law moved into independent living. The prospect of being housebound for another Midwest winter, and our urging, finally convinced her to make the move. She made the adjustment quite well, enjoying the delicious meals, the company of  old friends and new acquaintances, and the convenient services--including a beauty shop and beautician on site.
A couple months ago she complained that after her last trip to the beauty shop she did not get the right glasses back. She assured us she had checked with the beautician, who insisted that the spectacles she had must be hers, because there were no others around, and no one else had complained. Yet, she insisted that she could not see as well as she had before that trip to the hairdresser.
Convinced her eyes were failing, she kept her annual appointment with her eye doctor, where she remarked that her eyes must certainly be failing, because she couldn't see well with these glasses anymore.
"Well, no wonder," the doctor responded. "These aren't your glasses!"
I haven't been wearing the right glasses either, lately. My search for a part-time job that would be compatible with my freelance writing and editing efforts, and meet my need for socialization, left me back at square one this week. Two promising leads evaporated. My hopes of the last two weeks were dashed. I found myself wondering why God would give me reasons for optimism, only to pull them back? Why isn't God answering this prayer?

My Wednesday morning Bible study on James is helping to refocus my thinking. James, speaking to first-century Christians who are facing actual persecution, tells them to "consider it pure joy," when they face trials, for trials and testing develop perseverance and faith, resulting in greater maturity.Yes, even at my age, I still need to mature in my faith. I need a perception adjustment. I need to keep my eyes trained on my heavenly Father who loves me, has a plan for my life, and promises wisdom when I ask in faith. My trial is not life-threatening, nor as devastating an economic situation as if I were the primary breadwinner. It is disappointing, discouraging, and sometimes demoralizing. But these are the kinds of trials God uses to re-attach my blinders and turn my focus on Him.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to him. James 1:5