New lessons from: The Blind leading the Blind

July 28, 2014

Isn't there a proverb or a saying or a scripture or a quote or moral of a story or a parable that talks about the blind leading the blind? I can't remember exactly what it was (get back to me in 3.5 months and I'll look it up for you.) but I think the gist was that if the blind led the blind then....it would be bad (Luke 6:39). I know, the eloquence of that last sentence was profound. 

Well. I would like to disprove that rumor. Lately, we have been doing a lot of service in the community and one of the things we have done is volunteer at a School for the Blind. It's a place where blind or legally blind people of any age can go and participate in activities like wood-shop, braille classes, cooking classes, and macramé (think 70's home decor.) They also get a free lunch every day at 12:00. 

Lunch is my favorite part of the day. The "students" are all sitting at one of 6 tables, when their table is called, they stand up, walk to the serving center, and pick up their prepared tray of food. They are all strongly encouraged to pick up their own tray, but many of them have no sight at all, and this is very difficult for them. This is when the others, the ones with just a shadow of sight, or those who have been blind for a longer time take the others by the arm and lead them to the serving area. It doesn't matter who they are, if they need assistance, one of the more able ones will lead them lovingly by their arm and help them pick up their food. 

Many times it becomes a chain of 3 or 4, all holding on to the other's shoulders, slowly making their way up to the front. They are all friends even though their ages, races, interests, and levels of wealth differ widely. They all bond and care for and look out for one another. 

How much easier would it be if we all recognized how blind WE are? We would help, lift, inspire, and bless one another instead of trying to compete, tear down, or judge. People often see this life as a competition. If you do well, then it lowers my standing. When, in reality we all have the same ultimate goal. We want to get back to our Father in Heaven and have eternal life. There aren't a limited amount of seats available, there is no bouncer at the door going to tell us that we aren't as good as someone else. The only person we will be judged against is our self. Why not help as many other people as we can, get there as well? And instead of focusing on our own problems, let us help others with theirs. Every person in that lunchroom is blind. But instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they use their limited abilities to bless others that are having an even harder time. Let us follow the council of our savior Jesus Christ, echoed by a living day prophet, Thomas S. Monson to love and serve one another. 

-Hermana Thomas 

On the way to the School for the Blind

Buddies!