A Life Worth Noticing
Have you ever laid out the on the grass, gazing at the stars as you try (and fail) to number them? Have you ever been struck by the glowing water colors of a sunrise or sunset? Have you ever stood at the shore of the ocean or a great lake and felt infinitely small?
Imagine the God who created all of these things. The God who made the entire universe with His hands (Psalm 8:3)! And then there’s…us.
I don’t know about you, but most of the time I feel like a pretty ordinary person. I go to college, babysit, write, and go to church. And yeah, that’s all awesome, but then I go on Instagram and see all of these posts by girls who travel and have all of the perfect clothes, jobs, and looks. Is it just me, or does everyone look like a celebrity on social media these days?
Now obviously everyone is a person, just the same as you and me. However, getting caught up in the boring daily grind can make us feel just so…ordinary. Or even less than that.
I was struggling with these feelings one day when God spoke into my heart. He reminded me this:
God is our Father. We are His children, so we carry His attributes. Now I’m not saying that we’re God or perfect like Jesus. But what I am saying is that God made us in His image, therefore we all possess some of His unique traits.
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27 NKJV).
Are you a musician or an artist? God gave you that part of Himself. Are you a writer or public speaker? Again, that is one of God’s gifts. Maybe you carry the humility or service of Jesus in your heart. The beauty of it is that we’re all unique and special to God.
Do you want to change the way you see yourself and others? Practice what Jesus did–notice people.
When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed (Matthew 8:1-3 NKJV).
In Biblical times, people did not even go near those with leprosy. They were pretty much forgotten. Jesus not only noticed the man with leprosy, but he actually touched him! Have you ever felt the hand of God reach out and touch you at your worst? One reason why Jesus’ love is so special is because He notices us.
When my Grandma Jean was dying in the hospital, I had the amazing opportunity to notice people. I took the time to notice the crying woman alone in the next bed and got to pray with her. I took the time to notice how dry my Grandma’s feet were and rub them with lotion.
No, these are not Instagram worthy acts that will make us famous, but they are acts of love that will make Jesus famous.
If you want to see just how much God loves the world, including you, take the time to notice those around you. Ask God to give you His heart of compassion. You are not just an ordinary person. Any life that points to Jesus is a life of eternal importance.
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Dainty M
Beautiful piece! Just the other day i listened to a message by Christine Caine on ‘seeing others’ and this just goes with your post today on noticing others. The pressures of social media often make us focus so much on ourselves and somewhat ‘boring’ lives. Instead of focusing on God and sharing His love to others. Thanks for this reminder Emily! <3 <3
fearfullywonderfullyme
That’s awesome M! I’ll have to check that message out.
Elihu
It’s so easy to think we live unglamorous lives. God doesn’t fawn over celebrity, popularity, and glamour like we do. The people who sparkle to God are those who demonstrate the love you mention; those who shine the light of Jesus and love like He loves.
fearfullywonderfullyme
Yes, exactly! The humble are famous in His eyes. God bless you!