Two Cups of Tea at Hope’s Café
In the early weeks after my daughter was born, I was lying in bed with her in the crook of my arm just gazing into her eyes. Her father said “What are you doing?” and I said “Bonding with my baby.” “Well, it looks like you are going to be fused!” he replied, with some consternation.
Once in a church service the pastor had us partner up and spend two minutes making eye contact but not speaking. While initially that was a bit uncomfortable, I realized that over that time I began to see the person I was paired with not as a needy n’er do well who tended to press for attention, but as a human being, another companion on the journey we all share.
Some years ago I sought out a local recording studio and made a CD I titled “Eyes to See,” composed of songs that had the word “eyes” in it, emphasizing both the effect that eye contact has in bonding as in the first example and as a means of comprehension, as in the second one.
As a child, I went through a period when I considered what it might be like to be blind. Sometimes I would close my eyes and make my way around the room seeking to experience what that might feel like. Who knows what inspired that. But clearly I was aware that our eyesight is important in multiple ways.
Eyesight and vision are often used interchangeably but are distinct which a site called “This vs. That” describes:
“Eyesight refers to the physical ability of the eyes to see and perceive objects, colors, and shapes. It is a measure of the clarity and sharpness of one’s vision. On the other hand, vision encompasses a broader concept that includes not only the physical ability to see but also the interpretation and understanding of what is seen. Vision involves the brain’s processing of visual information, allowing us to make sense of our surroundings, recognize faces, read, and navigate our environment. While eyesight is a measurable aspect of vision, vision itself is a more complex and multifaceted concept that involves cognitive and perceptual processes.”
Some quotes reflect this, both unattributed:
“The eyes are useless when the mind is blind.” And its corollary:
“Eyes that are open see lessons everywhere.”
May we seek to keep our eyes open and our vision clear.
The invitation is open to share two cups of tea anytime at Hope’s Café or anywhere you share companionship and conversation.
May we be bearers of hope, the “wait staff” at Hope’s Café, for each other and all those we encounter. Shalom, Kate
Hope's Cafe 