Dang! I'd forgotten to take off my sunglasses. My prescription lenses would work fine, but I'd miss the festive, bright colors of the Advent season. No way I was going back to the car, so I had a dilemma. Wear sunglasses in church to see accurately, or take them off to drink in the fuzzied colors of marble, mosaic and paint? I took them off and it was an interesting experience.
The open expanse of the main church and rotunda were recognizable. The main altar and sermon pulpit stood out from the background as well. Even the pastor's robed shape, though blurred, was discernible against the contrast of gleaming gold candles.
But I missed a lot. I knew from past holiday visits that there were many specific Bible events depicted in the art. Live plants and trees are arranged to complement and soften the mammoth architecture. Thoughtfully placed statuary of Jesus and the saints bring a third dimension into view.
I could see it, but I couldn't. I appreciated the wonderful worship and community, but it was an incomplete experience whether viewed blurred or more crisply through photo-grays with anti-glare protection.
"Now we see in a mirror, darkly, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
1 Corinthians 13:12
Many people have health related vision problems that cannot be corrected in this life, but that's not the message.
Me, I could have braved a little personal discomfort to dispel the darkness and fully engage in what God provided there.
Even then - even with all the wonderful glory of senses and season clearly revealed - God's coming glory will make even that seem like a dim reflection.
As though we saw the most spectacularly enriching events of this life in a mirror, darkly.
To know fully, and to be fully known.
For that, I would gladly run back to the car for my glasses. Even in the stupid cold of our winters.
For that, I would believe on the name of Jesus.
What do you believe?
