beWARM

At the completion of each MMI eye project, I marvel at all that has been accomplished.

This is especially remarkable considering that the work is done by a disparate group of people who have, in many cases, never even met prior to arriving at the mission site.

Yet, despite differences in backgrounds, perspectives, and skill sets, a single-minded team melds together in a most beautiful way. The simple and basic requirement – a heart for serving the poor.

Side by side, team members spend long days taking visions, distributing thousands of eyeglasses, diagnosing and treating glaucoma and other diseases of the eye.  Patients with damaged eyes, even empty sockets, are fitted with artificial eyes.  Laser surgery is used to help some patients with diabetes or glaucoma.  Cataracts are removed; crossed eyes are straightened by strabismus surgery.

Most importantly, all this is done with utmost care, love and respect for our patients.

Each project has its own special flavor – the touching or funny stories, a poignant moment, that heartwrenching diagnosis. Personal and spiritual growth are byproducts as individual limits are stretched, new skills learned…and faith is deepened.

The finished result is a radiant tapestry…handcrafted with compassion by a myriad of hands. In addition to our team members, our project is facilitated by much-appreciated translators and helpers from the local churches that sponsor us. We could not do our jobs without them.

On the surface, the completion of our woven efforts forms a lovely image.

What I find so amazing is the view of the back side. Only there are seen the frayed threads and missed stitches – or those places where double knots had to be made to keep the continuity of design.

Imperfections and snags…smoothed over for the good of the whole.

These are the many untold, even unnoticed actions and decisions that occur to help a project run smoothly.  Sacrifices are made, extra hours quietly worked, additional responsibilities are assumed.  Extraneous worries are temporarily suspended in deference to the task at hand…and the patients before us.

I love thinking about the way in which God brings it all together.

And can’t we apply this example to ourselves?

We are all works in progress.  And God, in His infinite goodness, intends for our “finished product” to be beautiful...His unique creation.

He uses those  dropped stitches and pieced yarns on the back side to add texture, depth, and strength as He completes His work.

Often times, only He sees those imperfections.

Our challenge is to embrace the process of being under construction…and to know that, above all, we are being formed in His image.

And with that awareness, may we all be mindful that every person on this earth is the same.

Yet you, LORD, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand. ~ Isaiah 64:8