Eyes Wide Open

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” – Kathryn Stockett, The Help

Most Mondays I have the joy of helping first graders practice their sight words. When I’m distracted by my task list, work projects, or texts, I go through the motions, focusing only on sight words. When I remind myself to slow down I step onto sacred ground.

The sacred ground of life experienced with eyes wide open.

In this case, little monkeys who need a reminder of their GREAT worth.

Like the girl who transferred from another school. Whenever I applaud her for sailing through her sight words she’s quick to remind me that she was held back when she came to our school. This, my dear friends, is an opportunity.

Speak truth. Speak hope. Speak identity.

Or the boy who is socially awkward and struggling, oh so struggling, to read. The deck is stacked against him. He needs a reminder of his precious worth.

“You is smart. You is important.”

Trees may not reflect the season changes in my warm, California community, but youth sports certainly do. Soccer to basketball to baseball.

Tryouts and registration mark the start of each season. And the air becomes filled with questions and conversation. Who will make which team? Who’s the best coach? Who’s the best trainer? Which club sent players to the most prestigious colleges? 

Since our kids were toddlers Jason and I have agreed that we will assess our schooling choices every year for each kid. Are they thriving? Are adjustments needed? Are we serving well? Questions like these help us engage our school community with eyes wide open.

I’ve felt the Holy Spirit nudge us towards the same practice with youth sports. Sure we might talk players and stats, but the eyes wide open questions shift our attention towards the hearts of those around us. Who can we spend time with? Who needs a word of encouragement? Who’s having a hard week? Remember to smile. Remember to practice patience. Be kind.

If you read Push then you know I’m competitive. I want my kids (and their teammates) to kill it on the field. Eyes wide open questions challenge my perspective. They force me to slow down and pay attention.

I love meeting my Good Dad in the eyes wide open spaces. There he invites me to anchor into who he says he is, who he says I am, and the great worth of the adults and kids around me.

Engaging life with eyes wide open isn’t easy. It takes intention and practice.

And I often miss the mark.

Just a couple weeks ago I was driving through a part of town known for the homeless people who stand at nearly every corner. As I waited to make a u-turn my eyes caught sight of a gentlemen walking the median strip to the left of my car. He moved with a severe limp. His arms and legs were twisted. His neck, face, and bald head were badly scarred; it looked like he had lived through a fire. My stomach churned. When I rolled down my window to hand him money I forced myself to look him in the eye and call him sir. I couldn’t understand his response. Then the light changed and I moved on.

I was proud of myself for engaging with him.

Then I felt the Spirit invite me to open my eyes.

More than money this man needed meaningful human contact. When was the last time someone had a real conversation with him? When was the last time someone treated him as an equal? 

Before Kathryn Stockett ever wrote “You is kind. You is smart. You is important” my Good Dad was breathing hope and truth and life over people.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! – 1 John 3:1

The very hairs on your head are numbered. You are incredibly valuable! – Luke 12:7

My hope comes from him. He is my mighty rock. Pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. – Psalm 62:5-8

Where do you need to practice opening your eyes a little wider?  Will you allow God to meet you in the eyes wide open spaces?

– Laura