I am having surgery done on my eye on July 14 to deal with a cataract and put in a new lens to improve my vision. July 14 is also the birthday of my pastor and mentor and the man who became like a second dad to me: Pastor Alvin Grothe. He would have been 100 years old this year. It seems appropriate that my physical vision might be improved on his birthday. God used him in wonderful ways to improve my spiritual vision.

A good spiritual mentor helps you see Jesus more clearly. Pastor Grothe helped me to see that the Lord is gracious and loving, kind and compassionate, gentle and humble. I caught a vision of God as welcoming and someone you want to go to. Pastor’s quickness to smile and laugh helped me see the joy of the Lord.

Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to “fix our eyes on Jesus.” Seeing Him clearly helps us endure trials and not grow weary and not lose heart.

We don’t need to see a list of good rules to live by or inspirational good advice. We need to see Jesus.

Soon after Pastor began serving at Bethany he had us sing at the start of each worship service: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

Through his life, his example, the way he loved and encouraged me, Pastor turned my eyes upon Jesus.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to have my physical vision improved, but I’m even more thankful for God’s gracious work to help me see Jesus.