2198) I entered an unusual writing competition and though I didn’t place, I am still proud of my entry. The contest was, write a first line for a book that can resonate with your readers.  

Mine was, I used to see in black and white, but now I see in shades of gray.  

What I was trying to communicate is there were things I was “right” about when it came to my faith. There was no wiggle room. I had to stand firm in these types of beliefs and to see it any other way was compromising my faith.  

As I have matured, there are still many things I stand firm on (black and white) but there are now other things I see differently because God has taught me not all things are cut and dried.  

An example of this is what should or shouldn’t be done on Sundays. Or, that taking a break regularly from my work is a good thing, not necessarily a sign of laziness.  

I see the verse Revelation 21:4 as something I see differently now too, not because it was a black and white thing before and now is gray, but simply because younger people may not appreciate the things listed here the same way senior citizens do.  

John writes of the time that’s coming after this life, when God will wipe every tear from our eyes and death, mourning, crying and pain will be no more. These are things I can’t wait to see.  

Spiritual eyesight is important. The Great Physician can help us see more clearly and in what shades.