Devotion: How to Really See Others

“I wonder how many people I have looked at all my life and never seen.” ~John Steinbeck

The other day I played a game of Yahtzee with my oldest boy in the middle of the afternoon. He had gone outside, but there were no friends available to play, so he came to me. I might have been his last option, and to be honest, playing games with the two littles awake is sometimes a challenge so I would usually say no, but they were outside with my other big boy, so I said yes. We sat at the table and played, pretty much uninterrupted. For those few moments, we connected and enjoyed each other’s company, strategizing about how we could win and laughing when it didn’t quite go our way.

That game was a gift, a chance to see the heart of my boy and enjoy all his little quirks, his laugh, and his smile. I don’t always take time to enjoy this gift. I can look back on my days and see missed opportunities to connect with my boys and with other people. I can see when my messy house came before connection with people. I can see when I served myself before I connected with people. Please don’t misunderstand me here; our homes and our selves need care, but it is important to be mindful of the moments in front of us and seize opportunities for connection when they come along.

Jesus gave us insight via Paul about how he would like us to see others. We are to put their interests before our own. As a person who likes to serve others, you might think it is easy for me to spend time really seeing people. However, being mindful in the moment with my people can be challenging. I become so wrapped up in all the things I am doing, all the tasks I think will be helpful, that I forget to take time to look into their eyes, give them a hug, and or have a moment of real connection.

I miss these moments with my most precious people, the obvious ones who live in my house, but also other precious people who love me and deserve my full attention. I need Holy Spirit interception so that I have eyes to see people and really be present with them. I need Holy Spirit discernment so that I will know when important moments arise, but also so that I can be present in the everyday, ordinary, even mundane moments.

Lord God, fill us with the Holy Spirit in order that we might recognize the gift of moments with our people. Let us see when our “people” should include someone new, and let us be present in the moments with the ones we already hold precious. Let us hold dear the opportunities to spend time with people, as Mary did at your feet. And above all, let us remember that each person bears your image and therefore, is worth our time and love. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2: 3-4 NIV)

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3: 16)

Reach for More

Each moment we have is a gift from our God, but sometimes while we are working on one task, our minds are on the next thing or already making a mental list of all we need to accomplish. This week, try to name the moments you are living in. This might look like saying to yourself, “I am folding laundry,” “I am changing my baby’s diaper,” or “I am playing with my kids.” It might seem silly to do this, but personally, it brings me back to the moment and lets me enjoy the warm laundry, really see my baby and his soft tummy, or enjoy watching my kids knock over blocks or throw a ball with me. Also, pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal moments you might otherwise miss and enjoy being in them!

Please come back and leave a comment telling us how you named a moment this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

Carla Clemens enjoys a crazy, beautiful life with her military husband and four sons. A baby and toddler interrupt her homeschool days in the best ways, and she is always attempting to live with mindfulness of each moment. She hopes to look at the world and each person in it in light of our amazing Creator and therefore, to see each moment presented as an opportunity to love and serve him more. Carla relishes time to ponder God’s Word and have quiet moments with him and her coffee. She loves doing life with other mamas and encouraging them to simply be who God has made them to be.

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