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.
This past weekend I was traveling with my wonderful Mom to visit family in Florida. Mom loves to look people in the eye and smile. I observed her making this sweet effort repeatedly. 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
Thanks for the reminder! I am guilty of this as well. Love ya!
Danya,
Good observation. One more reason I am loath to own a smart phone. As to recognizing the military or Police when making eye contact either near or out of speaking range simply place your right hand over your heart and that will send the message of thanks for what you do.
It also works in church when offering the sign of peace to friends on the other side of the aisle.
Bernie
Through the years I’ve made it a point to truly “see” people like your mom does. Smiling as I pass, encouraging as I get the chance. But as a mom, I’ve seen how distracted I’ve become. I want breaks from my eight at times that aren’t in their best interest. I’ve become hyper aware of that this last year. Thank you for talking about this! It’s so important.
I am another person to smile at people and often times I say Hello. This way if they are so into their thoughts; it gets their attention. They usually answer back even though we have passed..
Love this. 🙂 Thanks for the reminder!
I have sensed that God has awakened my spirit to notice those around me more. Thank you for confirmation.