What Do You See?

I’ve had a rather humbling experience that in a way, broke my heart. One thing I tell the kids is, take time for people. Never get too busy to be kind, look someone in the eye and simply say hello. Listen when they speak, actually hear them with your heart not just your ears.

So, I had taken the girls to the library and as we were leaving I noticed a woman by the door. I told the girls to tell her goodbye and have a good day. They did, she smiled and didn’t say anything, and we headed to the car. I was in a hurry after all. I got just past the door and she came running after me. She said, “Wait!! Please wait! Your girls said goodbye to me and I couldn’t answer them because I had water in my mouth. But I needed them to know it meant so much to me and they mattered to me. They SAW me and spoke to me and I needed to say thank you.”

When she said “they SAW me” it hit my heart like an arrow. How many times has she felt invisible? Jesus saw her, I serve Jesus and yet I didn’t wait long enough to grasp she was trying to respond. Man, the conviction of the Holy Spirit flooded my soul. We spoke with her for a while, and all my “important errands” were still accomplished.

I had to be reminded of a principle I teach my kids and failed to put into practice myself because a task got in the way of a person. A simple “goodbye.” meant the world to her. She was seen, and valued. I pray that Jesus breaks my heart for the things that break His. I pray I hit pause and listen to Him, and observe what really matters most. I pray not just my children, but I take time for people.

“So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.””

John 13:34-35 TPT