National Geographic
Recently I have noticed more and more how those of us shopping in stores, standing in check-out lines, and meandering through airports don’t seem to make eye contact much anymore. We all seem to be looking down at our SmartPhones or talking on them. I am guilty of it also. Pitiful.
My Mom brought it to my attention. Mom loves to look people in the eye and smile. I observed her making this sweet effort repeatedly. When we have traveled together, as we made our way through the airport, to our gate, onto the airplane, then to our seats, she would smile at anyone who made eye contact with her. When we sat down, she made the comment that hardly anyone seems to look up anymore and notice what’s going on around them. Ouch. It’s so true. I’m often one of them.
Also, any military person or police officer in uniform Mom saw who made eye contact with her, she would thank him for his service to our country. What encouragement. I will do that from now on also. Encouragement was given in that brief moment when eye contact was made.
Who might we give encouragement to by making eye contact? Whose encouragement might we be missing by not making eye contact? Eye contact equals more acts of kindness.
“My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he whose walk is blameless will minister to me.” –Psalm 101:6 NIV
Years ago a pastor said he was reading an article while his child was trying to talk with him. Finally this child took her Daddy’s face in her hands and said, “Daddy, please listen with your face.”
May we all be reminded today to “listen with our face,” to look up, make eye contact, and smile. We may give the only eye contact and smile someone receives all day.
Reflect:
How does this message resonate with you?
Do you want to change any habits?
Renew:
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” –Psalm 119:18 NIV
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word.” –Psalm 119:37 NIV
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.” –Matthew 6:22 NIV
Recharge:
How will you change your habits to look up, “listen with your face,” make eye contact and smile at others?
Danya Jordan
Danya, what a great reminder today to “listen with our face”. I try to be conscious of this with my little ones, but could do better with all interactions. And my mom also thanks service men and women anywhere she sees them. It’s been a great witness for us. I think we need to get Pam and Maxine together someday! Miss you! Let’s catch up again soon!