Two large plate glass windows and a glass door expose our otherwise dark wood paneled living room to the sunlight of the great outdoors. Forty years after the windows were installed as part of the original construction, the seals of one window deteriorated to the degree that condensation between the panes of glass caused it to fog. Because of the major expense of replacing the glass, we decided to live with it, delaying the repairs until the window was thoroughly tinted with condensation. Because the change was gradual we acclimatized to the disappearing view. We no longer had a clear vision. The window gave us light but no revelation.

This week we finally replaced the fogged window with a new one. The result was dramatic. The window seemed to disappear. Nothing separated us from the brilliant colors of the flower garden and dense foliage of the stately trees rising on the edge of the Walden Woods behind our home. Everything seemed clear and up close. The other aged window, though not in as poor condition as the one we had just replaced, looked dull by comparison.

We were reminded of the Apostle Paul's words in 1Corinthians 13: "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Take heart. One day we shall see clearly. The things that now seem distant and unreal will become up close and the reality will be proved.

Remember, however, the deceptiveness of our own heart. We easily acclimatize to fogged windows. We think we are seeing clearly when we are not. We get walled into a materialistic world view. Let us not loose sight of who God is and where we are. We can wash the windows of our perceptions, but one day the glass will be replaced. We will see the Lord face to face. Our previously cherished 'seeings' will seem dull by comparison.