Peripheral Vision
A piece I read from pastor and author Mark Batterson grabbed my attention last week and it has yet to let me go. It has to do with vision.
When it comes to leadership, we typically think of vision as dreaming big and thinking long. It’s something we cast to people in the hope that they will see what we see. And to be sure, that has value.
However, Batterson points out that there is another less celebrated type of vision that may be of equal importance. It’s a kind of peripheral vision.
Peripheral vision is that which occurs outside the point of fixation. Though we can see that object or person out of the corner of our eye, we often don’t allow that to affect our actions. That being the case, we can sometimes miss out on something we really do need to focus on.
Batterson suggests that what’s true in the physical realm is no less true in the spiritual realm. This sort of peripheral vision notices what others dismiss. It’s spotting possibilities where others see problems. It’s finding opportunity where others see inconvenience.
A Biblical Illustration
By way of illustration, he writes, “In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37), the Priest and Levite turn a blind eye to their brother in need and walk right by. Why? They had vision, but it was tunnel vision. They were so focused on getting where they thought God wanted them to go that they missed an opportunity to be a blessing.
“Please don’t read right past this: sometimes it’s our religious routines that cause us to miss the divine appointments God puts right in our path. Why? Because those opportunities usually look like inconveniences! The Good Samaritan, on the other hand, noticed the need out of the corner of his eye.”
Friends, the Bible says that God is “ordering our steps” (Psalm 37:23) and “preparing good works in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). And that means that the people you come across in your day are not there by accident. They are part of God’s Kingdom plan which we are privileged to participate in.
The challenge is to refuse to give in to our tunnel vision in the pursuit of our agenda, noble though it may be. And to open up to our peripheral vision so that we might spot the divine appointments around us all the time.
This sort of vision is vital to good leadership. However, it’s also important for good discipleship. There are people who are hungry to be seen.
A Personal Illustration
By way of example, let me tell you the story of Michael. Michael was one of our neighbors who I knew only in passing. I’d drive by and Michael would offer a friendly wave.
However, on one occasion, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that he was limping a bit. Normally, I would have continued on my way; but this time I pulled over.
Michael came over to my car and I asked him how he was doing. He admitted to having strained his back and that he was in a lot of pain. Again, typically, I would have offered a sympathetic smile and driven on.
But this time, I felt prompted to really “see” Michael. And I asked him if I could pray for him…right then…right there. To my surprise, Michael nodded.
I offered a simple prayer that the Lord might touch Michael’s back and that Michael might be reminded of how much he mattered to God. I said, “Amen” and Michael crossed himself (he was Greek Orthodox) and I drove on – albeit a few minutes late to my appointment.
A few days later I was driving by Michael’s house again and saw him out in the yard. I waved and he flagged me down. As I pulled up to him, he offered a big smile and said, “You want to know what happened? My back is feeling so much better. Thank you for praying.”
And, as I drove off, I couldn’t help but wonder what opportunity might have been lost if I hadn’t taken the time to really see Michael.
Michael has since moved away. But I will always be grateful for the opportunity I was given to perhaps plant a little seed of faith into him. All because I noticed him out of the corner of my eye and paid attention.
Let me encourage you to walk a bit more circumspect this week. (The word literally means to look around you.) Try to be a bit more aware of those on the fringe who are often overlooked. With a timely word or action, who knows what sort of impact you could have.
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