I have been reading in the Gospel of Matthew recently and have been struck by the Jesus lived and interacted with people. He seemed to be fully awake, alert and present in every situation. He saw people and he was hearing from God. He could see through the external to the innermost thoughts of people, but I have the sense that if he had not noticed and observed the external situation, he would not have noticed what was going on inside people!

When I read the record of how Jesus saw people and interacted with them in a strange but wonderful combination of natural and supernatural seeing and hearing, I am challenged to be alert and awake in my heart and spirit during the course of the day, that I may be used by God to bless people in one way or another.

When I was a boy I was in and out of the hospital. In the hospital not a single nurse or doctor made a lasting impression on me. I remember a doctor because of his strange spectacles, but I don't remember his name. But I remember Borghild. She was cleaning the floors in the rooms and the corridors. Still I can see her outlook with her beautiful long and blond hair before me when I close my eyes. Still after nearly sixty years I have fond memories of her. Why? She saw me. She took interest in me. She spoke to me. I am forever grateful to her for the care and love she showed me in the hospital. She was not a doctor, nor a nurse, but only a floor cleaner, but she was the greatest of them all because of her love and care for a little boy in the hospital.

When we see people for what they are, we may be able to hear from God for them and have a lasting influence on their lives.

God, open my eyes to see people around me. Fill me with your love and teach me to care for them in practical ways. Open the ears of my heart that I might hear what you want to tell them. Teach me to be present in my world that I may bring your presence and make your love felt wherever I go.