Psalm 119:18 (NIV) “Open my eyes to see the wonderful things in your teachings.”

This beautiful verse in Psalm 119 seems to be fairly straightforward. It suggests that we should open our eyes to read about the teachings we find in the Bible. Love, Grace, Patience, Mercy, Forgiveness, and so many more exampled both in the writings and in the people that we that we find in the Bible. We admire those Biblical characters who are constantly seeking the will of God and we are appalled by the people who turn their backs on the lessons that God has shown them through the prophets and apostles.

But I want to take you a little deeper in the meaning of this verse. How often do we get focused on our own lives to the point that we fail to see what is happening around us? Do we see that young man helping that elderly woman by reaching and retrieving something for her in the grocery store that is beyond her reach? Do we pay attention when driving down the highway on a hot day and notice that motorcyclist that has stopped to help someone change a tire? Do we remember seeing that person cutting an elderly neighbor’s yard or doing repairs on their house? Do we think twice about that person who pulls over on the street to remove an obstacle or the janitor that cleans up a spill in the store so that no one gets hurt? Are we aware when we notice an adult who takes the time to listen to a child that is struggling or just needs some attention, even if the child is not their own?

These are all examples of Jesus working in the lives of the people around us every day. We are often too busy to notice what they are doing at the time they are doing it. But it makes a huge difference in the lives of the people that are being helped. We need to open our eyes and see that God’s teachings are making as he uses us to help others, often without being asked. Call it “paying it forward” or “a random act of kindness.” What it really amounts to is being the hands and feet of Jesus in this world as we allow God’s teachings to take hold of our soul and move through us to take care of God’s children. What purpose do we serve if we never open our eyes and see the needs of people as Jesus sees them?

It only takes a few minutes to make a huge difference in someone else’s day. Open that door, reach for that item, help that neighbor, change that tire. It’s a win-win for everyone as we strive to take care of each other as God teaches us through words and actions.