We all have them. You can't see them. Others notice them. Usually, I'm so stubborn that I don't believe what is revealed is a blind spot, especially if someone else points it out. On the flip side, how often really do we see that spot (or large space) of blocked view/insight/character flaw/truth/or habit?
Is that you?
Lately I've been asking the Lord about my blind spots. Until I see clearly, on the other side of heaven, I will continue to have them. I don't want them. I want to be growing, seeing more clearly, changing perspective, and understanding His ways and means.
Probably the most common blind spot we talk about is car analogies. Things like looking in the rearview mirror- what is coming from behind you or beside you. If you are towing something, at times not all of what you are towing is visible. If you're a trucker delivering us our goods and services, the truck is long enough that we can follow along side and the driver can't see us, even more so when they have to swing for turns. Sometimes the sun is so bright in our windshield or mirrors that we can't see what's coming toward us, beside us, or behind.
Sometimes, blind spots are assumptions. Let's take the same common car analogies. In some states a left turn arrow is before cars across the way can move. In other states, it's after the cross traffic has flowed. In some states it is illegal to turn right on red (ask my son) whether there is a sign or not.
Sometimes laws change. It's our responsibility to know the difference. It used to be kids were legal to sit in a buckled seat without a car seat at 40 pounds OR four years old. Then it was 40 pounds AND four years old. Rear facing. Front seat riding. Booster seats. Is it legal where you live for anyone in the backseat to have or not have on a seatbelt?
Sometimes blind spots are choices we make not to find out or see. In other words, it's our responsibility to find out and know.
The most simplified definition I've read: something you can't see literally or figuratively.
Relationally we've all been in love....all the feels. You can't see the other person's weaknesses because you are blinded by their overwhelming looks, charm, attraction, words....and then reality sets in. We've all been there.
Sometimes a blind spot can be a misunderstanding or just something you don't understand (or how something works) such as a job or a different culture.
Personal blindspot: Love this definition from our regular google search: a persistent lack of awareness concerning an aspect of one's personality or behavior.
There is one more blind spot I'd like to mention. It relates to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As I've been wanting to know mine, I've also wondered where I have them about him. What are my paradigms? Where have I been raised that I have skewed vision? Where have I been hurt by those that represent him that I have closed off or blinded myself to Him? Where have I closed my heart because he didn't do something for me according to my expectation? What am I NOT seeing because of my own doing related to receiving from him?
Here is his perspective on the matter:
Romans 3:22-24 TPT It is God’s righteousness made visible through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And now all who believe in him receive that gift. For there is really no difference between us, for we all have sinned and are in need of the glory of God. Yet through his powerful declaration of acquittal, God freely gives away his righteousness. His gift of love and favor now cascades over us, all because Jesus, the Anointed One, has liberated us from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin!
And then there's this beauty:
Psalm 103:11-12 TPT Higher than the highest heavens—that’s how high your tender mercy extends! Greater than the grandeur of heaven above is the greatness of your loyal love, towering over all who fear you and bow down before you! Farther than from a sunrise to a sunset— that’s how far you’ve removed our guilt from us.
Here is my prayer for my own blind spots. It comes straight from the heart of David. I find myself much like him.
Psalm 19:12-14 TPT How would I discern the waywardness of my heart? Lord, forgive my hidden flaws whenever you find them. Keep cleansing me, God, and keep me from my secret, selfish sins; may they never rule over me! For only then will I be free from fault and remain innocent of rebellion. So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts, and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing, acceptable before your eyes, Yahweh, my only Redeemer, my Protector.
Forgiven and less blind,
KTWL