Tuesday May 23 2017  THAT IS WHO I WANT YOU TO LOVE

People fascinate me.  No matter what the circumstances, or where I am, I so enjoy watching people.  There are so many faces, shapes, forms, colors, expressions, and voices, and they all intrigue me.  Each one is unique and each one made in the image of God.  I’ve always felt that if it were up to me I would like to talk to each and every person that I pass by.  But, with so many hundreds of people I come in contact with I know that is impossible.  I must admit certain people grab my interest to the extent that I know I must make some sort of excuse to meet them.  And for me that is easy. 

Something happened this past Sunday morning at church that opened my eyes to a new truth which was revealed to me.  I have attended our church fellowship for 30 years.  I’ve met many people there and each Sunday I speak to those I don’t recognize and introduce myself and ask about them.  It is surprising how many people are willing to share their life with a total stranger.  I have come to believe that people are always looking for new fellowship with others.

As I walked into the foyer from the hallway, I could not help but see an older woman sitting alone in a wheel chair with a somber look on her face.  I’ve noticed this woman for years, walked right past her week after week.  I’ve never said hello, never introduced myself, and never gave her the attention I have given to so many others.  The look on her face always seemed to be one that said “stay away” (or so I thought).  Often I have a smile on my face and when our eyes met briefly my smile was still in place from my previous encounter.  For just a split second, I perceived the beginning of a smile on this lady’s face and then, just as quickly, it was extinguished as she lowered her gaze.  I walked by her without saying a word and I felt a halting come over me as if I was physically being tugged backwards.  I believe it was the Holy Spirit beckoning me to turn around, smile at the old woman in the wheel chair, and ask her if I could give her a hug. 

Now, I like to hug people, and each Sunday I try to hug all the widowed friends I have because I know they do not receive many hugs during the week.  From my point of view everyone needs to be hugged.  Hesitantly, I turned around, smiled at the lady in the wheelchair and introduced myself.  I asked her if I could give her a hug, telling her I thought everyone needs to be hugged.  Her face lit up with the biggest smile.  I bent down to her level, wrapped my arms around her shoulders and gave her a lengthy hug.  As I held her close she whispered in my ear, “There is a study that determines every person needs to be hugged at least eight times a day to stay healthy.”  When I stepped back she smiled up at me and her face lit up!  My heart was broken in her presence.  I told her I would like to ask for her forgiveness and apologize for walking by her week after week and never having stopped to talk to her before.  She said she always felt inhibited to approach me and she said she needed to apologize for never smiling at me before.  It was an eye opener to me.  We had an extended conversation and I know that this lady will be more than just on my “hug-list” after this.  After all these years I now know her name; it is Patricia.  Her name means “Noble”.  I think that is exactly how God sees her!

I have always thought I was open toward others as well as easily approachable.  I asked myself did I ignore her because she was in a wheel chair, or because she was old, or because she never smiled at me, or…or…or…?  God is opening my eyes that I might see that which is right before me.  I’ve done a lot of soul searching about this incident since Sunday and pray that I will be attuned to those who God brings to me, rather than just those who “look” interesting.  On occasion throughout my life God has pointed out a specific person.  Each time that has happened I have also heard His gentle voice whisper to me:  “THAT IS WHO I WANT YOU TO LOVE”.  And I have been blessed this week to know that I can still recognize God’s whisper.

 

THAT IS WHO I WANT YOU TO LOVE

Kathleen Martens

May 23, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

 

At times there are those

Our eyes caress

And others we look past

Whom we think a mess.

 

But who are we

To judge another

By outward appearance

Of our sisters and brothers?

 

We are each one

Created in God’s image

To live in harmony,

Not prey or scrimmage.

 

When we see fellow man

We should view all equal.

Today is lived but once

And there is no sequel.

 

So reach out

An extended hand.

Assist those hurting

And help them stand.

 

Give from your heart,

Smiles are free.

A hug offers health

Without a fee.

 

Let the joy of the Lord

Spring forth in wonder;

As relationships begin

No need to asunder.

 

View each person

As the creation of God

And when you talk to strangers

You’ll not find it odd.

 

Stay attuned and listen

To God above

When He says, “That is who 

I want you to love.”

 

Thank You God for opening my eyes and teaching me to see through Your eyes.

Thank You God for opening my heart and filling my heart with more of You.

Thank You God for the smile You place upon my face.

Thank You God for being who You are.

Thank You too for Your goodness!

 

GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU!