Cataracts and Faith

A couple weeks ago I went to my ophthalmologist to have my eyes examined.  (Even though I think the suggestion from someone is that I should have my head examined.)  It’s been getting more difficult to read road signs and with all the travel I do, that has been a challenge.  It’s not that I can’t see to drive; it’s just that I want those letters to be crisp and easy-to-read.

After the usual puffs of air into the eyes and the “Which is clearer, this or this?” the Doctor told me that he could write me a new prescription but it wouldn’t help the clarity much.  He then showed me the difference.  He was right.  It wasn’t worth the expense to hardly notice a difference.  What he told me at that point is that my vision was being affected by cataracts, particularly in my left eye.

What has been rolling around in my head since then is my expectation that since I went to the Doctor he should have the technology to make it better.  To be fair, he did say I could have cataract surgery in a few years and that would dramatically improve my vision.  This visit for a simple eye test has been a reminder of how much I am a product of my culture.  I assume that since we have made such strides in medicine and technology, there is no problem that cannot be solved by simply applying what is available.  “We can rebuild him. We have the technology.” I heard that for 4 years in the early 70's and I still must believe it somewhere deep inside me.

But much of life is beyond the reach of a technological solution.  And I've had to ask myself, "Is God any less present or faithful or merciful or gracious if there is no wonder cure available for what ails me?"  What about all those millions of people throughout the world who do not live in a world where technology is so readily available?  Do they have to live by faith, but I get to live by faith and technology?  I don’t think so.  And it took my ophthalmologist to remind me that I have this treasure in a jar of clay so that it can be shown that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to me.  I got more from that appointment than I expected.  And while I wish I could see better, I'm glad I went.  The lesson was worth it.