So, just how narrow is your “field of vision?”  In my last post, I recounted a particular instance where I was able to provide assistance during the surgery of a young Massai Indian boy.  My job was to simply hold his arm steady for the surgeon.  Well, as I’ve thought some more on this particular episode I’ve come to realize that in addition to the healing provided me through the experience there was another takeaway to be gleaned.  One that I believe provides a life lesson worthy of consideration by each of us. 

So, here was the scene. Just before I was to grab this young mans arm the surgeon (my brother) let me know that he would be unable to see my hands because of his restricted field of vision.  This significantly reduced field of vision was brought about by wearing special lens designed to assist him in seeing the microscopic details of this young mans arms.  All of this resulted in me being emphatically warned to keep a watchful eye on the scalpel so as not to end up being wounded myself. 

As I’ve reflected on this I realize that in much the same way there are potential dangers we impose on ourselves when we have a narrow-minded view of the people around us?  Just consider a couple of thoughts for a moment in light of yourself and the relationships in motion around you.  A narrow-minded view might result in one becoming that proverbial “island unto oneself” with no room for the much-needed presence of lets say, accountability. That sacred place between authentic friends where, “iron sharpens iron.”  Or just like a person with ocular tunnel vision suffers from a degradation in their peripheral vision, a narrow-minded view of relationships will over time cause one in fact to lose sight of the relational opportunities that exist just beyond the peripheral edges of ones own routine.  And then before we know it this “tunnel vision” seeps its way into other areas of our life and we’re rendered to be one who “no longer sees the forest for the trees.” Come to think of it, this may be the very place where the seeds of isolation are sewn and life begins to feel as if it is closing in around us.

So, we need be on the lookout for the signposts ahead; signposts that might, for instance herald the beginnings of a new, life long friendship. Signposts that warn us as well of the wounds we can inflict by becoming too unwilling to consider the viewpoint of another. So, here’s something for us to think on.  Do we see “Caution: Narrow Road Ahead” or do we see “Scenic Vista Overlook Ahead” when we consider the immeasurable value of the relationships that have been brought into our life? Peace.