THE COLOR OF MY WORLD

By Janet Perez Eckles

 Strange, isn’t it? No, actually it‚s bizarre. Ladies, you can identify with this. When you‚re pregnant, don‚t you happen to see pregnant women everywhere you go?

I have a friend who, distraught about losing his hair, saw bald men wherever he went.

Same thing happens to me. When the discussion about my blindness surfaces, stories about a myriad of eye problems flood the conversation. Recently, a friend told me his father also lost his sight. All he could see were shadows and one other thing--the color orange. So, as a good son, he painted all items in his father‚s home bright orange.

"Hmm," I said. "Wonder what that might be like. Guess it would be better than not seeing any color at all."

But then reality struck me. Though I have no sight and thus, am unable to see any colors at all, my world is painted brighter than a rainbow across a blue sky.
I see the color of hope. Hope that fills my heart every morning and nudges me along from the moment my feet slide into my bedroom slippers. Hope because I have the gift of one more day. Hope to find yet another way to brighten someone else‚s life. And also the hope that the triumph over my difficulties can serve as encouragement to others.

Vivid hues of adventure brush across the canvas of my world. Adventure, particularly when I travel by myself. When I pick up my white cane, kiss hubby good-bye, I brace for the adventure ahead, unaware of the friends I’ll meet along the way, I welcome each unknown step. I giggle inside, wondering what stories I’ll hear from the passenger seated beside me on the plane. And the excitement of knowing I’ll come home with stories to tell adds to the adventure.

The bold color of determination highlights my days as well. Writing fiction is tough, requires tons of talent and rewrites, patience and more hard work.

But the deep shade of determination brushes over spots of discouragement. And perseverance blends with determination resulting in the painting of success.
Also, the brilliant shades of joy purposefully dotted swirl throughout. And, though not overpowering, the accent gives a refreshing and revitalizing look to my world.
A soft hue of quiet reflection adds a warm tone. Reflection in silence before God to draw serenity and calmness in the midst of a hurried world.

And finally, a rich wooden frame of gratitude borders the portrait I see. Enormous gratitude as the eyes of my heart gaze upon the divine artist whose hands brushed vibrant colors across my world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Janet Perez Eckles is an inspirational speaker, writer, and contributor to nine books including the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She authored, "Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life, true story of triumph, reflections to soothe the soul, and insights to stir the heart.  She imparts nuggets of inspiration at:www.janetperezeckles.com