I think I'm noticing eyes even more during these days because much of the time, that is the only part of someone's face that I see. The masks that are now worn in so many public areas cover everything except someone's eyes. And I'm amazed at the range of emotions and expressions I can see without seeing someone's whole face. When this pandemic began in March/April, I remember vividly going into the grocery store for the first time. Wearing a mask felt so strange, I felt overcome with fear to even walk into the place. I wanted to get in and get out as quickly as possible. Upon entering the store, I could see that others shared my point of view. Firstly, I noticed that I hardly made eye contact with anyone. Secondly, no one made eye contact with me. It all felt very socially awkward! I was either looking down at my list, trying to adjust my mask so I could SEE my list, or in such a rush to just get out of the store that I never once made eye contact. Not even with the cashier, who was shielded behind plastic, wearing her own mask and also gloves. Bless her heart, she tried so hard to act like all was normal, asking if I found everything and if I checked my eggs. We both knew that none of this was even close to normal and saw the matched uncertainty in each other's eyes.
The next time I went in, I felt a little calmer. Mask wearing was now not feeling as strange, I was more used to it and everyone was wearing one so maybe it felt less out of the ordinary to me. I looked around more that time and that is when I noticed eyes more. I could tell when someone was smiling as I said good morning or excuse me. I could tell when someone was annoyed with me for being in their way or for standing too long in front of the jello choices. I will tell you what I also saw.....I saw fear, frustration, uncertainty, weariness, sadness, anxiety and so much more. Those who were afraid of how or where this would all end up. Perhaps they had a loved one who was sick or dying of this virus. Perhaps their job was eliminated due to the changes in the economy. Perhaps they weren't sure what their bill would be at check out, not sure if they could cover it. Perhaps they were exhausted from trying to work and home school their children. So many scenarios and so many emotions, all from the expression in their eyes. And I'm positive they saw those same emotions reflected back when they looked at my eyes.
There is an old hymn called Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus. I heard in on an online service a couple weeks ago and the lyrics really stuck with me.
Turn you eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grown strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
In today's world, the eyes of those around me reflect the turmoil of what is going on around us. And understandably so. These lyrics challenged me to thing about where my eyes are focused. When I am looking down....at my list, at the news, at the unknown, at the worries that overtake my heart.....my eyes reflect fear, anger, frustrations, weariness and the list goes on and on. But, if I look up....just look up to Jesus and focus on the truth of His promises, then hopefully what will reflect in my eyes is hope. Faith. Reassurance. Joy. CERTAINTY. Certainty that He is still in control even during such uncertain times.
Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
It is easy at this time in our world to be heavy with the weight of what is going on around us. Heavy in heart and in spirit. But I encourage you to look up. Look to Jesus. Look to the encouragement and promises in your Bible. Look up with gratitude for the blessings you have been given. Look up and give Him your fear and worry. Look up to feel Him leading you through this uncertain time.
And the next time you are at the grocery store and are wearing your mask, look up from your list. Make eye contact. Offer up a smile so big that others can tell by the crinkling and sparkling of your eyes.
