Open Your Eyes

I was at church one Sunday morning and greeted one of the faithful members of our congregation. Then I went through my regular routine as pastor. After worship I was shaking hands and wishing everyone a nice week when someone pointed out that the person I had greeted earlier had a big bandage on the end of her nose. Apparently she’d had some minor surgery the previous week. The strange thing is, I had spoken with this person four or five times that morning and had not noticed that bandage at all.

This made me wonder how often I really pay attention when I look at people. Do I focus on the person or on all the things I’m doing? When I look at them, do I really see?

Jesus really saw people. When he encountered someone, he saw their needs. They became his priority. His eyes even found the invisible ones whom everyone else overlooked, such as the poor widow who gave two coins. The first act of love is to open our eyes and truly see those around us. It means setting aside our own agenda for a moment, and that’s not easy. But it’s the only way to find out what—and whom—we’re missing!