There’s Seeing and there’s SEEING

“This is one of the miracles of love: It gives a power of seeing through its own enchantments and yet not being disenchanted.” ~ C.S. Lewis

I am, at times, guilty of taking the people I love for granted – not in the way we usually mean (to expect someone or something to be always available to serve in some way without thanks or recognition) but in not seeing them in all their splendor.

It’s not for lack of appreciating their wonderful qualities or talents.  It’s more like we work or play so closely, brain to brain, soul to soul, that I stop seeing them the person, and just relate to them the being.

Once, when I worked in a restaurant, I looked up to see this very attractive man looking at me from the end of the bar.  I smiled; he smiled and then I saw him…

He was my boyfriend… oy!

I loved him and I had stopped seeing his external self… seeing him where I didn’t expect to allowed me to see his physical self without the laser focus of my caring and concern for him.

It’s not just about looks…

This holiday, I spent some really lovely quality time with one of my sisters.  It’s been a while since we had the opportunity to just hang out and in the midst of the weekend I remembered how cool she is.

Being apart, in the midst of my daily grind, I always remember how much I love my family members, but it’s more like a “they’re my family; of course, I love them” kinda thing.  Then when we’re together, every now and then the veil pulls back, and I see THEM for who they are… some really amazing, interesting, caring human beings who each strive in their own way to make the world a better place.  I remember that I not only love them because they’re family, I genuinely LIKE them….

Sometimes I lose track of that, but it’s really great to be reminded.

“You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It’s just a matter of paying attention to this miracle.” ~ Paulo Coelho