March 28 — The Slow Softening of Vision
To see is to be free—not because what we see is always pleasant, but because reality, once faced, loses the power to control us through fear. Richard Rohr
Gregg’s Reflection
Some changes happen in a flash; others are more like the slow shaping of a stone by a steady stream. My spiritual sight has often been shaped in that slower way. I can look back over years and see how God softened my vision—not so much through dramatic moments, but through small, almost unnoticeable encounters that, over time, transformed how I see.
I’m reminded of Pema Chödrön’s wisdom: “Truth often sinks in like gentle rain on hard earth.” You can’t force it. I think of seasons in my life when I wanted clarity now, when I wanted to jump ahead to full understanding. But the Spirit seemed content to work drop by drop, softening my resistance and opening my eyes at the pace I could handle.
There’s comfort in knowing that the slow work of God is still work. Even when we can’t see the change day to day, something is happening beneath the surface. One morning we wake up and realize—we see differently. And that seeing is here to stay.
Scripture
He looked up and said, ‘I see people; they look like trees walking around.’ Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.
Mark 8:24–25
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
James 5:7
Ancient Quotes
The soul’s progress toward God is not sudden, but step by step. She is enlightened little by little, as her heart is purified by love and humility.
St. Gregory of Nyssa, The Life of Moses, II.239
We do not come to the vision of God all at once, but by long perseverance and the cleansing of the heart. The light grows brighter as the eye of the soul becomes accustomed to it.
St. Augustine of Hippo, Sermons, 88.7
Modern Quotes
To see is to be free—not because what we see is always pleasant, but because reality, once faced, loses the power to control us through fear.
Richard Rohr, The Naked Now, p. 21
Truth sinks in like rain into very hard earth. The rain is very gentle, and we soften up slowly at our own speed. It happens by letting go; it happens by relaxing your mind, and it happens by the aspiration and the longing to want to communicate with yourself and others. Each of us finds our own way.
Pema Chödrön, Start Where You Are
Journaling Prompts
- Where in your life has truth come to you slowly over time?
- What would it look like to trust God’s pace for your spiritual growth?
- How can you remain open and receptive while you wait for your vision to soften?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 13 Reflection: Eyes to See