When the Kaiser scheduled my second cataract surgery for September
11 there was a moment of pause. September 11 will never be simply another date in September. The date will always conjure images of
destruction. It is not a date that elicits positive emotions or feelings
of well-being. But I let that all go and have been looking forward to
seeing as well with the second eye as I do with the first.
Since
Sharon and I were at the Irvine facility today for her 5th Taxol infusion, I
went downstairs to pick up the three prescriptions of eye drops that I will
have to use before and after the surgery. I was politely told that it
would be a while before the prescription would be ready. I assured the
pharmacist that I had several hours to wait so I would simply drop back later
to pick up the prescriptions. She handed me the call number that would
help the clerk find my prescription when I returned. There, in very large
numerals, was the number 666. There was a moment of pause.
Isn't it amazing that dates and
numbers can carry such import? My own response illustrates the power of
words and symbols. We are kidding ourselves if we think words do not
matter or that symbols are meaningless. It has been a reminder that “When
words are
many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips
is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19-ESV) balanced
by the passage from Acts, “And Judas and Silas, who were themselves
prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.” (Acts 15:32-ESV). In each passage there are many words, but in
the first it results in much sin while in the second it results in much
encouragement. We should never take
lightly the power of our words.
