People watching is sort of a hobby of mine. Not in a creepy way, but, you have to admit there is something fascinating about observing human behavior. I love to sit and watch people pass by and imagine what they are like, what kind of life they have lived, and what the future holds for them. I imagine the children that added wrinkles to their face and the exciting adventures that add pep to their step. Each one of them is unique, special; not necessarily to me, (that would be creepy) but special to someone. There is something so special about seeing people for the first time.

The gospel of Mark tells this beautiful story about a blind man whom Jesus heals. Jesus takes the man by the hand, spits on his eyes (which evidently, if God is about to perform a miracle in your life, a spit in the face is not rude ;0) )  and asks, “ Do you see anything?” The man, whose eyes are now blurry with spit, replies:

“ I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

And then this amazing thing happens! Jesus puts his hands on the man’s eyes, they are opened, and he can see clearly for the first time.

How do you see people? When was the last time you slowed down long enough to really see them?

The girl at the check out counter with the warm smile.

The man who always sits alone at your coffee shop and never smiles.

The teacher.

The truck driver.

The arrogant.

The rude.

The humble.

The kind.

These are the people Jesus died for. He has a plan and a purpose for each one of them. To Him, they are precious.

The people in our lives are not meant to be a part of our landscape, they are a part of God’s legacy. If we aren’t careful, our eyes become blurry. And instead of seeing these people as Jesus sees them, they are like trees walking.

I don’t know why we don’t always see people clearly. Maybe there is spit in our eyes. I wonder what would happen if once more we allowed Jesus to touch our eyes. Would we believe He is able to make our vision clear?

Maybe we would see each other.  Maybe… for the first time.

Praying for you today. That your eyes would be open to the people in your life, and that you would see them like Jesus does.