I Saw Her

A few weeks ago, on my way to a birthday party, a friend of mine called. She asked if we could ride together – we agreed to meet at a convenient point on the route. Truthfully, I was extremely tired and had already planned in my mind that she would drive and I would park my car. When she pulled up, with the sweetest smile I asked, ” You’re driving, right?” With her usual gracious self, she agreed to. As I sat beside her and we prepared to drive out, I looked at her. At that moment, I really saw her- she was tired. I saw more than eyes could reveal. She needed me to be selfless today; to think less of me and show some kindness. I chose to drive. Later she thanked me, she truly needed that simple act of compassion.

My friend said something that stuck with me since that day. She very quietly commented. ” I tried to cover [my weariness] with makeup.” It took more than a glance to see that she was more exhausted than I was. I mused over how we often we look at people yet we don’t see them. I am learning to pay attention to what people are saying and equally to what they are not saying. I pray we’ll stop for a minute and see someone today.

I see you
Clothed in humility and strength
Showing up even in your weariness
You give- You love
Sometimes in obscurity

You go unnoticed
Often misunderstood
Yet you serve with poise and grace
You understand your assignment
Embracing it with unwavering courage

I see you
Sitting in your pain
Allowing it to complete its purpose
I watch you rise to a better you
Your God sees you too

“…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7B