By Elizabeth Chan
“Without love, we are nothing.”
Wow! What do You mean, Lord? How is this relevant to today’s Lunch in the Dark*?
It is indeed humbling to be reminded that despite being visually impaired, a few of our Christian brothers continue to serve our Lord, playing musical instruments, singing, and arranging and serving meals in unfamiliar settings. All these are done in the dark to help us know God and His Word better, thus moving us one step to the right.
Indeed, it was walking in faith and not by sight.
Once blindfolded, we were helpless and needed assistance to walk around and be seated. Naturally this took longer than if we were all “sighted.” This taught us of the need for community and patience to get through our daily activities.
Because I could not see what was served, I could not ask for a smaller portion and therefore had to ‘force” myself to finish everything on my plate, so as not to waste food. This experience reminded me to be more attentive to the needs of others instead of ‘forcing’ my values, views, opinion, likes or dislikes whilst in the guise of serving others.
Going back to the words “without love, we are nothing”, the Lord reminded me that all our gifts (including sight), if not used for the love of God and neighbour, are of no spiritual value. Luke 12:48 says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Therefore, this special lunch activity taught us not to use our gift of sight to complain about the messiness we see in the lives of others because we do not know the extent of their “sight”. Let our response always be that of LOVE!
*At the Lunch in the Dark activity held on 12 April 2023, seniors experienced eating in the dark. A JOY ministry initiative.
Get Involved
🍴 Try finishing a meal with a blindfold. Preferably at a place where mess on the table is allowed.
🧎 Been complaining much about the messiness we see in the lives of others? Repent and receive forgiveness from God.
💭 Reflect on the lyrics of Be Thou My Vision.