I used to wonder why Biblical scholars thought that the infirmity that the Apostle Paul's mentions several times throughout his letters was related to his eyes. I think the answer lies in Galatians 6:11: "See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!"
Over the past few years, I've noticed some deterioration in my eyesight when trying to read. If I'm tired or in low lighting when I'm reading or working on the computer, my eyes struggle to make out letters and numbers properly. Yes, this deterioration is attributed to aging eyes.
For awhile, I used a magnifying glass and the "trombone" method to get the correct distance between what I was trying to read and my eyes. It's blurry....move the book or paper up or down....still blurry....move it again....that's perfect -- now I can read it! :)
After being amused by my reading methods, my daughter purchased me a set of three reading glasses -- I keep one at work, one in my purse, and one in our home study -- that have become more convenient to use than a magnifying glass. Basically, the reading glasses are portable magnifying glasses!
When I'm writing notes to myself or signing my name on a check and am not wearing the reading glasses, I've noticed that my handwriting is larger than it used to be. I'm writing in "large letters!" I now understand why the Biblical scholars think that Paul had trouble with his eyes....if reading glasses weren't available for aging eyes, Paul would have a hard time seeing small letters. He would be compensating for poor eyesight by writing in large letters.
Galatians 6:11 may become my new "life verse!" Well, at least for as long as I resist purchasing regular reading glasses!
Next post: The Clock Cheats Us!
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