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By Tonya S. Swindell

Blind spots are behaviors in me that I cannot easily see. They are areas of my understanding that need greater clarity.

They tend to influence my choices and often impact my deeds. Learning to manage my blind spots can be very challenging.

A dream helped me to realize the effects of my limited vision, when I imagined being in the driver’s seat with a key in the ignition.

I put my vehicle in reverse while in a parking lot. But I was hesitant to take my foot off the brake because of my blind spot.

It wasn’t hard to steer, after I put my truck in gear. But obstacles that were hidden made me afraid to change position. When I looked in the rear-view mirror, my vision was noticeably hindered. And I needed someone’s assistance to drive safely any distance.

It would’ve been helpful to hear someone say, “It’s safe to back up now. Turn your steering wheel this way.” But no one was around to help me navigate the blind spots that seemed to be in my way.

After awakening from my dream and spending time in prayer, I realized emotional blind spots affected my character. My dream helped me to see the limitations of my periphery and that I needed wise counsel to prevent unwanted injury.

With help from trusted people within my vicinity, I was able to achieve much greater clarity. Honesty, forgiveness and generous support helped me to experience a change of heart.

A few of the blind spots that needed my removal were pride, fear and seeking approval.

If I surrendered to pride’s grasp, I couldn’t heal from the past. If fear had its way, feelings of inadequacy would stay. I might even do things that I knew were not right to try and fit in with others and be liked.

But friends, wise counselors and family reminded me of who I was meant to be. Their kindness, patience and generosity allowed me to become a better me.

When considering how blind spots impacted my decisions, I recalled a classic song about having clearer visions. Johnny Nash sang it best in 1972 when he described how his eyesight became brand new.

He revealed how much better he was able to see after managing his blind spots successfully. He sang the tune with a reggae-inspired beat. The lyrics were uplifting every time I heard him sing:

“I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It’s gonna be a bright, bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day….”

“I think I can make it now the pain is gone. All of the bad feelings have disappeared. Here is the rainbow I’ve been praying for. It’s gonna be a bright, bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day.”

 

Tonya Swindell is an occupational therapist. She is also a teacher for Kingdom Building Institute (kingdombuildinginstitute.org). She can be reached at tonyathewriter1@gmail.com.