Seeing Is Believing—Believing Is Seeing

I used to have a blind beagle-mix dog named Peanut. Peanut and I took walks through the neighborhood almost every day. The neighbors got used to us and our quirks. For instance, Peanut was alarmed by loud noises. So, when neighbors saw us out for our walk, they knew to turn off their mowers or leaf blowers while we passed by. They were very sensitive to my little blind dog.

Peanut, the Blind Beagle

Children, on the other hand, could not wait to get their hands on Peanut. They always wanted to know what was “wrong” with her, and then they wanted to pet her. And, blind Peanut would lift her head just the slightest to receive all the pats and scratches that were coming her way. She’d wag her tail—quite sure that although she could not see a thing, she was about to receive love.

When We Can’t See God

When it comes to God, we often cannot see a thing either. We pray, but we don’t seem to get an answer. We long for guidance, but clear direction does not come. We search for healing, but grief remains. We cannot see God, and we may feel as though we are walking in the dark. Nevertheless, we keep trying—because deep down we know that seeing is believing, even when our eyes can’t make sense of what’s ahead.

Seeing Is Believing at Well of Mercy

Well of Mercy may be part of your efforts. If you feel as though you are walking in the dark, you can walk our labyrinth, and just maybe, the twists and turns will turn on the light. You can walk our prayer trails, and just maybe, the sound of the creek will open your ears to the sound of the Spirit. You can savor a meal, and just maybe, remember how often God shows up in the breaking of bread.

Leashed by Love

No matter how old you are or how blind you feel, you are a beloved child of God. Yes, some days it will be easy and we will lift our heads in confidence, and some days we will fall spectacularly to the ground. But let us strive to live so faithfully and so prayerfully—let us knit our hearts so closely to God—that wherever we fall, we are never too far from the One holding the other end of our leash. When faith guides the walk, seeing is believing becomes our daily reality.

Lea Slaton
Executive Director