Seeing . . .

I've been having experiences lately where I have suddenly realized I have totally missed something so obvious -- right before my eyes -- because I was too much in a hurry; or too concerned about my own self; or only listening to the words, not the meaning; or only half listening. People tend to avoid being direct. My theory -- our insecurities and fear play into this trend. If we aren't direct, and someone rejects us, there is always a "gray area" to retreat to, and deny.

I've had a number of these realizations recently -- someone in my life has been dropping hints or making comments or alluding to something that I simply did not pick up on. I didn't pay attention. A hurt; a pain; a loneliness; family issues; financial issues -- a burden. Only after time -- and usually a traumatic event where the burden could no longer be shrouded -- did I realize that I totally missed the obvious. I look back at the conversations; the interactions -- how could I have not seen it? What was I thinking?

. . . this bothers me . . .

With each event, I make a new resolve to listen better; to slow down; to put myself aside, and listen with my ears and eyes open, not with my own personal filters -- to see. Sometimes I succeed in meeting my resolve. Often, however, I slip back into the old habits.

. . . and then another reminder; another burden bursting open -- too late.

. . . another resolve . . .

Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black tile
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere?Why have I never cared?

Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the once forgotten

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide whats underneath
There's a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
Hes out of work
Hes buying time
all those people going somewhere? Why have I never cared?

Ive Been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
just move and pass me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all alone

-- Brandon Heath -- "Give Me Your Eyes"