The metaphor of setting a sight comes from the action of looking through a gun's sight and focusing on the target before taking the shot. In life, we gradually learn to set our sights on a number of targets. As a child mine was usually set on what my siblings had or getting the last of the cake crumbs. As we age, we learn to set our sights on much longer term goals; a good grade on the history test, training for the race, or learning a new skill. Eventually we look towards a college education, getting that first job and suddenly we lose track of the target. Life takes over. It just becomes one goal that follows another - marriage, kids, managing school and work and kids and now we can no longer see the sight or the target. We have gone from looking intently at the target to spinning mildly out of control. And one day we stop the merry-go-round. We can't get off but we can definitely downshift and slow the pace. We once again look through the sight and remember the target. Each decision now is aimed at making that target come into view. Nothing is taken for granted.
A line is drawn in the sand; I wake in the morning and focus on the goal. I choose to be happy that I am awake, not irritated that I woke up and am no longer asleep. I greet the day with a feeling of awe in the beauty of the sun rising and I am witness to its glory. On my morning walk everything is new and fresh; the birds are singing, lizards scurry to safety, the glistening sunlight on trees blowing in the breeze reminds me that everything is changing all the time. This sight you see right here right now won't be visible in the blink of an eye. So take it in, relish it, and be grateful you were the spectator.
Since my move back home, I have become extremely aware of this setting of sights and perspective. For the first time in more than 20 years I became a renter and no longer in charge of the home I live in. On my first day here, I questioned everything. Had I noticed the chips and cracks in the kitchen tile or that there are three different kinds of linoleum in three adjoining rooms, or the fact that there was no dishwasher? What was I thinking? I was only thinking of my "sight." My sights were set on being home, being walking distance to my family, and finally being able to once again grow in faith and love. On day two, my sights completely changed. Everything was unpacked and placed where it could be appreciated. The framed photos, the art, the mementos that had been gifted to me seemed to surround and envelop me in the safety of home. I could no longer see the tile cracks or mismatched flooring and didn't care one bit about a dishwasher. I was home and I had all the things around me that bring joy. I began the work of arranging and rearranging furniture to get in my sights exactly the things on which I wanted to see and focus. The living room was set toward the backyard, the computer found its own niche in the corner, and the prayer chair eventually came to face the altar with a small table beside it to house the books and journal.
Now that the move is complete my sights gradually are focusing in on the call to service. I have been brought back to this place in this time to continue the work that was underway before I left. I am here to grandmother, to find my professional place in education, and to continue my faith journey. So with every question that presents itself, I grant it the time and perspective it deserves. I sit with it in silence. I pray about it and listen. My yes is ready only if it moves me closer to the path that has been set before me. My perspective is a positive one and focused on the future. I choose not to dwell on lost time in the past or mistakes that may have been made, but only on what is coming and how I can serve. Yes, life is complicated at times, but we can easily unravel the knots by taking the time to look through the sight and focus on the target. I set my sights on love, on spending my time well, and on sharing my gifts.
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