Floaters

by Macy Johnson

“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

(Matthew 7:5 NIV)

 

Little black specks drift in and out of my peripheral vision. My floaters sometimes startle me like spiders creeping up out of the corner of my eye.

 

The specks Jesus refers to in Matthew are not only bothersome, but deadly relationship daggers. These tiny distractions trigger criticism and egotistic finger-pointing instead of humble helpfulness.

 

I read somewhere, “if you point a finger at someone, there are always three fingers pointing back at you.” I have also been told, “it takes one to know one.” If I recognize a fault in someone else, it is most likely because I am keenly aware of it in my own heart.

 

The fast food drive-thru window worker had a speck in her eye. She accidentally gave my burgers to the car in front of me. Imagine the look on my face when she handed me a bag and cheerfully announced, “Eight chicken nuggets.”

 

I explained, “That’s not my order,” as the car in front of me pulled to the curb and an angry customer marched toward the window. The worker’s speck grew larger as confusion and heated discussions arose through the window with the other customer and behind the scenes in the kitchen.

 

Thankfully, a strange peace came over me and reminded, “Things happen. Be pleasant and quick to forgive.”

 

After the situation was resolved and I drove home, my husband and I enjoyed the best burgers we have had in a long time!

 

Perhaps floaters are there to remind me to ignore the specks in others’ eyes and pay closer attention to mine.

 

I will remove the planks in my eyes and help others to remove the speck in theirs. I hope you will, too!