So excited, I could see the leaves on the trees, the board at school and people’s faces as I walked down the hall. I didn’t know what I had been missing.  The frames were a pretty dark blue. 

I got to pick them out at the Optician Office.  My father was stationed in Munich, Germany and our medical care was through the Army. 

A few days later some friends and I rode the bus from our housing development to downtown Munich.  We always went to the PX (Post Exchange) that was in a large building.  Then we went ice skating just down the street. 

Sitting in the bleachers, I carefully placed my glasses beside me to take off my coat. 

One of the guys helped me put on the skates.  New to woman hood, earlier I placed a tissue for extra protection in my panties.  When he pulled my slacks leg down to get on the skates, the stained tissue came out of my slacks.  I grabbed it quickly and threw it down under the bleachers.  I was so embarrassed, I quickly went down to skate.

You guessed it, I forgot to pick up my glasses.  Later when we returned, we searched high and low, under the bleachers – no glasses.

Much to my regret the military would not pay for another blue pair.  The replacements were white and stood out somewhat similar to my Kleenex!

At age 16 I was free from my glasses with contact lenses.  I hated glasses so this was a welcome relief.  After many years of wearing gas permeable contacts (better known as hard lenses) I began having problems with dryness in my eyes and lenses frequently dirty.  I asked my optometrist if they had made any advances in soft contact lenses for stigmatism.  He said, “Yes, in fact they have.” So I was fitted for soft lenses.  Felt great; however, I could see distance but had to wear reading glasses for close up stuff like my phone.  So, I have resorted to wearing glasses when I know I will be reading. 

Recently, I needed to have a new pair of glasses.  For old time sake, I picked out a beautiful dark blue frame.  Reminded me of my first pair.  Felt like a little girl again with my new glasses. 

Do you remember your first pair of glasses?

Does the word FIRST bring to mind any other things in your life?

This is a continuation of my series of FIRSTS beginning with this blog – First Gear Blog

Summary of FIRST Blog:

God prompted me to use the word “first” as my word to focus on this year.  I’m trying to put him first in my decisions and thereby focusing on Him daily. 

So how do we seek first the kingdom of God? That is my challenge for 2025.

I have trouble making decisions.  My prayer is constantly – “What should I do?   How do I know what is best? How do I know I am making the correct choice?” 

Every year I focus on a single word. I also choose a verse to help me stay focused on God’s purpose for my life. My word this year is FIRST.  And verse is Matthew 6:33. 

Matthew 6:33 has been my focus in the past.

³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

But seems like this year the Lord is wanting me to concentrate on seeking him First.  Already in some decisions, I have found myself asking, “Ok, am I seeking God first in this situation? Or am I compelled to do what I want? Do I think others want me to do something else?”

As the year progresses, I know the decisions will be much more difficult.  Lord, help me to consider you FIRST in my choices.

^{How are you seeking God FIRST?}

^{As I navigate the FIRSTS in my life this year, I will share other FIRSTS in my past.  Let me know if you can relate. Or better yet, how do you seek God FIRST in your life?}