There was a movie out a few years ago that became very popular. Avatar was the title of the film. You may remember seeing it. I liked a lot of things about this movie, but what I think I remember most is the way the inhabitants of Pandora would say, “I see you.” The meaning of these three words went far beyond the literal meaning of seeing with the eyes. “I see you” involved an intimate knowledge of the person being spoken to. To “see” someone was not a mere recognition of the person being present in body. It also meant that you understood and loved and accepted that person for who they are– not just how they look. The person inside the physical body was acknowledged and valued. It also meant – I want to have this relationship with you. I want this deep intimate relationship of knowing you as you are – without feeling you have anything to hide. I see you with unconditional love and acceptance.
How often do we take time to “see” those we love and care about? We stay so busy and have so many worldly cares to tend to. There are bills to pay, grocery shopping to do, places to go … work, kids, and school – and on and on and on. So when is the last time you actually saw your spouse? Did you tell him or her that you love them and value them for the person they are and what they mean to you? When have you given them the valuable gift of your time? When have you tried to understand what they are going through – or even asked how their day went? Sometimes it seems we get so busy that we are just two people living in the same house always going in different directions. Stop. Slow down – become friends again. Look at your spouse and truly see them.
What about your children? I have to admit that my work is so stressful at times that when I come home all I want to do is “zone out.” I don’t want to do anything or talk to anyone. I still have one child at home. He is 18. I know my time is limited with him. I know he will be gone very soon. Lately, he wants to talk more – share ideas and hopes and dreams. That is what 18 year old children want and need. They need someone to listen – someone to “see” them. Truthfully, it is what all children need;– no, no-it is what we all need. It is a very natural human need to be “seen” – valued, loved– cared about.
Sometimes as a parent, the shoe is on the other foot. Sometimes we feel like we are invisible to our children. We often feel like we are thought of as nothing more than a bank or a chauffeur or …. I don’t know. I am sure that I am not the only one that has ever felt like that before. We fix their food – nurse their injuries – take them to and fro–give them money …. And we begin to feel like they don’t see us– they only see what we do for them. Sometimes that is a very lonely feeling.
Maybe that’s how God feels about us sometimes. We ask for all these blessings and we expect Him to be there for us – but only when we need Him. The rest of the time – well it’s OK if He kind of sinks into the background, right? What do you think God feels like when we fail to see Him?
What about Christ? Have you seen Him lately? Did you worship this past Sunday? Did you make time for Him Wednesday night at Bible study? Do you ever think about how much the Lord loves you? He “sees” you. He knows you, inside and out. He loves you so much. Have you considered His awesome sacrifice today? Did you spend any time at all with the One who loved you so much He died for you? Slow down – He is waiting for you. He wants to be with you– to spend time with you. He wants you to see Him.
Our Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves. When we pray for blessings in our life–God answer is always perfect. He sees the future. He knows what we need. Oh, yes He knows what we want, too. But He understands what we need. And sometimes those two things are totally different. We must have faith in His vision. We have to trust God's ability to see us clearly and love us for who we are. After all, He made us. He knows what we are capable of– He knows what we can do in our service for Him. If we trust Him and follow Him, He will bless us beyond our wildest expectations! He knows our hearts and our heartaches. Yes, God truly sees us.
So if you find yourself so busy that you have almost allowed yourself to stop seeing; slow down– stop. Take time to SEE – your spouse; your children; your Redeemer and your God!!! And watch the blessings flow!
Christ above all things,
Robin
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