Bartimaeus

For spirituality night this week, we listened to and reflected on the bible passage in which Jesus gives sight to the blind Bartimaeus.
When Bartimaeus cries out “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus responds, “what is it you want me to do?” He answers, “I want to regain my sight”, and Jesus says, “Go, your faith has made you well.”

Inserting myself into the story, I realized I was identifying myself with the one being called upon for help. Children at work are constantly clamoring for attention and assistance. “Miss Autumn, Miss Autumn!” “What do you want? What do you need?” They are not nearly as articulate as Bartimaeus. And there was always a chance that the apparent need (sight) wasn’t actually what he wanted from Jesus. And the younger they are, the less likely it is that they even know what it is they need to be whole and happy. Even when they do know what they need and request it clearly, I don’t always know how to respond or have the ability grant their request. And sometimes I try but fail.

If only it were as simple and easy as it is in this story…