On Being Seen
For almost two weeks he laid there on the side of the road. He was probably flung overboard by a buckled child who was desperately kicking around for some freedom. He must have slid right past mom’s attention as she pushed a wiggly stroller. The cold December rain and snow did not do him any favors. A few cars, occasionally crossing the yellow sideline, had pushed him here and there. He was only a discarded toy. Who can blame a world for passing? Yet, every time I drove by, I craned my neck. I am not sure what I was hoping to see.
Then, just a few days ago, on a sunny, cold afternoon, I pulled over. Just like that. I didn’t give myself time to analyze. I stepped on the brake, looked around for traffic, and gave him a ride home.
His once fluffy coat was salt-stained and mud-soaked. One eye was dangling from his head by a thread – the other one gone. His cap was almost torn off. He went through the wash three times. He needed a little coat, something not too complicated for a lost seamstress.
Then, carefully and with small, precise stitches into his again shiny body, I sewed his eyes. Two wooden buttons.
They stare at me from odd places on his face. As he sits across from my desk, I would like to think he can see. As his renewed eyes point in my direction, I pray for my eyes to be made new, to see again.
I want desperately to notice a hurting world around me — desire my eyes to see my God who sees me.
(Heidi Viars, 2022)
Heidi Viars 
I love this, Heidi! Only you could have used this poor little toy as an analogy. 🙂
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Thank you, my dear friend … praying for you today ❤️
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Someone’s been watching “Toy Story.” 😏😉
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Ha. Yes. A long time ago. But maybe it had more impact than I thought 😂
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Heidi, this is such a great story. So many beautiful analogies in it.
Lord, give us eyes to see others as you see them, and ears to hear what you hear. Then empower us through the Holy Spirit to act towards others as you would act.
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Thanks for reading, Manette … your words of encouragement are a blessing to me 🙂
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A truly lovely account Heidi and parable!
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Thanks for reading, Carol!
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Look how beautiful he is now–an example of a sin-washed soul (1 John 1:7), given new eyes to see (Proverbs 20:12), and wearing his garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)!
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Ooohh … yes … garment of praise … I think I can hear a faint quacking 🙂 Thanks, Nancy!
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Oh, how absolutely sweet. I wonder, too, whose he once was. May all our eyes be made new to see where we can lend a helping hand, too.
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I agree … “Lord, continue to renew my vision to the way you see.” Blessings to you.
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The world is indeed hurting all around us. Do we keep driving or stop and help? This is a great story, Heidi, with a powerful application. Do we see the God who sees us?
PS. I hope Scott is back to his 100% self.
Blessings!
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Thank you, Dave, for reading … and asking about Scott. He is doing ok – not 100%. He often still struggles with his breathing. Over all, and compared to where he was, he is doing much better. Some of his lung issues may be chronic now. He is still here … for that we are grateful beyond words. Thanks for caring, brother.
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Amen. Scott is still here, and that’s what counts most!
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I’m glad you noticed.
I’m glad you stopped.
I’m glad you renewed.
I’m mostly glad you listened.
I’m feeling the need to be seen today.
Mostly, I want to see.
“Thank you, God, for the gift of Heidi and how she makes you real to me. Amen”
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Sweet Sue …
How good that El Roy (our Seeing God) knows us, sees us… ALWAYS. Rest in knowing that you are seen, beloved. In Christ, you are the apple of his eye. Isn’t that a wonderful thought? Blessings to you, my writing friend!
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This is a great story Heidi! Kinda makes me think of how Jesus picks us up and cleans us up and gives us a new life! Love ya Sister!💞
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You are never far from my throughs, dear friend … Yes… He picked us up and cleaned us, didn’t he! Ezekiel 16 comes to mind.
Love you right back, Wendy!
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