Mustering up my last vestige of courage, I entered the small room. Soon, the smile I had painstakingly perfected slowly dissolved. Not one of the women made eye contact or even acknowledged my presence with a finger flutter. Color infused my face, it was as if I wasn’t there. I wish I could tell my old self what I have learned since. You are seen even when you feel invisible – really.
Maybe you have been in a similar room. Or perhaps you are unnoticed as you care for children or a family member.
Photo credit: Sylas Boesten on Unsplash
Sometimes I crave recognition. Not a standing ovation, but just an acknowledgment that I am present. A nod to the fact that I have value and am seen.
But that desire makes me dependent on the reactions of people. Their responses can change on a whim.
What would happen if we looked for recognition from a higher place?
You Are Seen When You Feel Invisible
You are seen even when you feel invisible.
The words of David, a psalmist, and king wrote resonated with me:
“O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.” Psalm 139:1-4 (NLT)
God who created all sees me, and just not physically!
He knows what I value in my heart.
He knows everything about me:
- What I am doing at any time
- My thoughts
- Where I am
- What I am going to say before I say it
I don’t find this scary at all. Because I know He loves me, I know that He does not use this knowledge to condemn me.
In fact, I find the fact that He cares this much about me to be affirming. It is beyond my expectations of recognition.
The knowledge that God sees me, and you, at such a deep level is infinitely more satisfying than any attention given by people.
From time to time, I forget. But, as soon as I get that deflated feeling of being ignored, I remind myself. You are seen even when you feel invisible.
Please let me know what you think in the comments. I would love to know.