I See Living People

Do you ever look around at the people passing all around? Do you know the people who live five doors down? Three doors? Next door? How about the tired-looking waiter at your favorite lunch time hangout? You've spoken with him a dozen times, but you don't remember his name. I'm not fussing. I'm confessing. We're all busy. We're all tired. And we all need love.

During my time entrenched in the "big F" Fundamentalist mindset, I did look around at those around me. I've been curious all my life. But, often, I quickly dismissed most based on some skewed vision of with whom I should interact. "Oh, her skirt is short!" "He's wearing a necklace." "That couple had a drink with their meal, they can't be Christians. Not really. At least, not good ones."

Looking back, I am dismayed over my inner dialogue concerning the suitability of these souls for my attention. Souls created and loved by the God I serve. Souls going through their own trials and hurts. Eternal souls. And I dismissed them because of a tattoo, the length and style of hair, or the beat of a song coming from their car radio. 

Praise God for His Grace and this journey He has given me! I've always enjoyed meeting people, and when I finally started seeing others around me as Christ did, my options expanded immeasurably! These days my journey from guilt to grace causes my path to cross the paths of many people like those I would have dismissed before. And I am grateful. 

Dear Father, please help me see all of the souls around me as you see them. Help me to love them. Let me serve you by serving them. And help me to point them to your grace and peace.

Always watching,

Teapotjan