A few days ago, Jillienne and I were in the car talking about all manner of things, as you do with a six year old. We discussed dinner options, what toys we might play with later that evening, which led to talk of a game she had played with her friends earlier at recess. In passing, she mentioned how sometimes her friends fall down and get hurt on the playground at school. Then she said this:
“I hate it when I forget my glasses because then I can’t see hurt people.”
…because then I can’t see hurt people.
What a statement.
I tucked that little nugget in the back of my mind as she began chattering on about other things. But I just couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d stumbled onto something with those few words she’d spoken.
How often do I put on my blinders, shuttling myself or my children from here to there, in such a hurry that I don’t take the time to look up from my full and bustling life to notice those around me? Or maybe I notice them, but I just don’t have the time or energy to help.
How often am I too busy with work or activities or dinner that needs to be cooked that I can’t see the hurting people around me?
The acquaintance who’s been ill for months and can’t seem to find answers.
The friend with a new baby who’s struggling to find a rhythm, losing herself in the process.
The lady from church who lost her job and now feels purposeless.
I’m so busy that I can’t see hurt people.
We all go through periods of distress, anxiety, fear, illness. Unfortunately, it’s part of life on this side of heaven. As the church, we’re called to be the hands and feet of Jesus but it’s difficult to be there for others when our heads are down and our eyes are fixed on ourselves.
Father, forgive me for my selfishness. Give me eyes to see the needs around me today. Help me see the “hurt people” you put in my path, and then allow me to serve them in Your name.
