Two days ago, I had eyelid surgery. In the operating room the surgeon told me I would be glamorous now. Actually, I did the surgery, not for cosmetic reasons, but, to improve my field of vision. The insurance company considered it a medical procedure.
Right now, I am far from “glamorous.” I look as if I have been beaten around the eyes and, on top of that, have a dreadful hangover. At night when I wear the eye shields, I look like a creature from outer space. Here’s hoping the current condition of my eyes is temporary and this is just a transitional period.
I confess to some anxiety about the actual surgery itself. Fortunately, my fears did not materialize and that went well. At some point, I gave myself over into the hands of the competent medical staff and that felt good. I did not know enough to worry about the after-effects.
This is all leading me to think about change. Is it ever without a difficult period of transition? Is that why we dislike change so much? Of course, if one just “goes with the flow” some change inevitably comes anyway. Then there is the change that we actually choose, whether its something on a personal level, or in a familial or public arena. And sometimes, change is a chosen reaction to change that is not in our control.
Going through this minor transition time, following a personal decision to have elective surgery, puts me once again in touch with how difficult, even necessary or desired change is. There is always the getting from here to there.
How we handle transitions matters. These are times of reflection, healing, and steering a new course. As someone said to me, a time to gain new clarity. A second chance.
Where is faith in all of this. Faith is present at the moment of decision. Faith helps us makes the best of change when change is inevitable, or make what we hope are good choices when options are ours. During the transition time that follows change, faith and hope need to work together. During these times we are called to be very present even as we keep a hopeful eye toward the future. (In my case, literally and figuratively.)
Blessings to all those who, on whatever scale, are choosing to seek better lives. May transitions be times of discovery and recovery, and may faith and hope be steadfast. Most of all, may times of change not be wasted. May we find ways to embrace clarity and some greater good along the way.