He got in the car with me last week, and we began to drive through our neighborhood to the office that was promising to help him find housing for himself and his two girls (one of which I mentor). Small talk and catching up on life filled the car for the first few minutes. When we reached the nearby highway the conversation had changed.
"You came early", he said. "I was just about to write you a letter when you arrived to get me. I wanted to tell you how I was noticing you were different than most people. For you, it's not about color or where a person is in life. Oh how I wish the rest of the world saw other people and life through your eyes. The world would be such a better place..." And he continued on with sweet words that I didn't deserve. Seeing his slight pause as a chance to talk about my First Love and Savior, I directed all praise His way and then changed the subject to all He was doing in his life. But his phrase: "I wish the world saw other people and life through your eyes", has stuck with me.
The reality is that I know my 'eyes' all too well. Most days I wish I could get rid of them! I know the judgmental-ness that I battle as I compare or nit pick things. I know the negativity I fight on a daily basis. I know the fears I have of other people being recognized over me. I know the calloused-ness I face when I survey the hurt and pain around. No, my 'eyes' are indeed NOT a beautiful thing that anyone around should envy or try to pattern after. But His 'eyes', that I'm seeking to put on more and more each day, are loving, gracious, kind, eager to help, patient in suffering, not after their own glory, quick to be humble, and overall the sweetest thing anyone has ever beheld this side of heaven!
I have a love/hate relationship with sanctification. You see, it's great cuz it grants me the ability to live in His ways more and more. However, it's pain-filled and hard mostly, so I very much hate it most days. But the more I'm becoming like Him, the more He is seen instead of me. And that's truly a great thing. Praise His Holy Name that, as He sanctifies me, those around me see I have my Daddy's eyes and mine fade away more and more!
