I'm a People Watcher

"For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to Him." 2 Chronicles 16:9

I am a people watcher from way back, and a large imagination collector. We used to frequent the mall more than we do now (not because of the covid-19; I'm speaking of years gone by.) I love to sit in the mall or in a park (or on the glorious beach) and watch people. I will almost always choose a seat in a restaurant where I am facing the crowd. I will spot others walking by and make up what I think their life is like; their home, family, spouse or dating situation or what have you. I call it being involved in others lives (in some small way), you might call it being a nosy busybody. Rest assured I harm no one in concocting my narrations of people's lives.

Sometimes I have a certain person's every detailed pinpointed. Sometimes I would love to be able to ask them for a quick interview so that I may compare my notions about them to their reality and see how closely I summed them up.

I don't know what may catch my eye about certain people. It might be a ladies outfit to the way she wears her hair. The way she interacts with her children and the number of shopping bags she might be carrying. Maybe it's a young guy with long, lanky legs and unruly hair under a ball cap facing backwards. Of course, I keep it light and try not to be obvious in my stare. Gosh, just telling you about this makes me feel that maybe I need to get a life. But you know what, today's verse assures us that God is a people watcher also.

I might not always watch the most successful or prominent folks, but I do consider the ones I have observed and always end my take on them with a whispered prayer.

If I were to be watched I hope that the one who sees me would see Jesus in me, that their story of me would be that of love and kindness, of passion for my family and a deep seeded root of faith, where the Light that is in me shines brightly. I would hope I portray a healthy lightness and air of grace around me. I want others to see me as approachable, nice, and easy going. Maybe sum me up with having a big heart, loves the simple things in life and craves being with her family more than anything. And maybe if they get close enough they would see the glimmer in my eye that holds some spark for being spontaneous and fun loving.

We live in a world that would have us believe that there are no righteous left among us. But there are so many that confirm God's Word.

"I have left seven thousand for myself who have not bowed down to Baal. In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace" (Rom. 11:4-5)

Paul confirms it here in this scripture (read vs. 1-6; for the full story.) Good works do not merit God's grace; they are evidence of His grace.

I'm going to keep being a people watcher not only to the strangers that cross my path, but more importantly those who are examples of believers who are living well and loving God well so that I can identify and benefit from their influence. They will only challenge, encourage and inspire me to love God better.

What would others see in you...if you crossed paths with a 'people watcher'? They're everywhere, you know?

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, I am thankful for the healthy curiosity I have in observing others lives, especially those whose hearts are fully committed to You. May they be blessed for their faithfulness and may I learn from them and let my light shine for You as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.