- GOBO -
Have you seen those smart lights that display crazy designs on a concert stage? That is accomplished by what they call a "GOBO" or a Go-Between. It is a "lens" that goes between the light source and the object that is being illuminated. Its sole purpose is to strategically block portions of the light - to keep certain areas from being illuminated. Doing so can drastically change the way our eyes perceive the environment around us.
In our life, we shine light on things and people around us. In the same manner, we shine that light through GOBOs that alter our perception. Our vision sees what is illuminated in our mind. We see only the best/worst in people — we see what we want to see. The GOBOs we shine our light through limit the whole picture; there are things that are hidden in the shadows.
For example, take a marriage. A wife sees her husband as the man she married 10 years ago, she doesn't see the warning signs that there are deeper issues. In her mind, everything is perfect. She is happy, and he is happy. But hidden in the shadows - her husband is deeply depressed. He feels like the marriage is dying and he is helpless to stop it. So he has decided it's time to move on. He blames his wife. He sees her and thinks that she doesn't care about the marriage, and that his problems aren't important to her.
Both need to change the GOBO they are shining their light through. There will never be mutual respect, understanding, love, or partnership if there are parts of the picture that are hidden in the shadows. It's hard to have vision without having clear sight.
So my question is, what is your GOBO? What shapes the source of your light and the object your light shines on? May I suggest that we use the original GOBO? God used Jesus as a Gobo for you and me. Without Jesus, God "The Source", would not be able to shine His light on the objects of His affection, us. We are flawed and sinful and God is perfect. Jesus became God's GOBO so that He could view us as complete and whole through His son's sacrifice on the cross.
In the same way, Jesus can be our GOBO. He can allow you to view those around you with grace, love, compassion, joy, etc. Allow Him to be your Go-Between - to illuminate the shadows that are too dark to see; so that you will be able to clearly see the whole picture.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” - John 8:12
For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. - Psalms 18:28