I walked into the little market and immediately saw three people I knew.
They were perfectly pleasant people, always friendly in the past. Busy with their work and conversations, I headed over to the soup comfortably minding my own business.
I wasn’t sure how to go forward.
It’s that moment when I wonder if I should say hello. Do I go out of my way to initiate conversation with these acquaintances or do I stay invisible, head down, busy in my own self?
Deep down I seem to think that while I may see them, surely they don’t see me.
I walk past two of the people talking and I have a choice:
I can avoid eye contact or choose to be the person I would want someone to be to me.
I look over, pause and say hello. It’s uncomfortable and uncertain for me, but both return a friendly hello and I keep going.
It’s a start.
Over at the counter I say hello to other person and then head to a seat. As he brings over my hot chocolate, I take a risk and start a conversation. I ask about him and the business. Joke casually and smile. It was perfectly normal, even if it didn’t feel normal inside.
As I left I wondered why I feel invisible. This idea that no one knows who I am, that I’m not memorable enough that someone would know me, says little about them and everything about me.
Sometimes you need to see yourself before someone else can see you. Click To TweetBut I don’t want to be that version of myself, the one who waits to see if someone knows me before I reach out.
Knowing I’m worth seeing is the beginning of being seen.
Check out these great sites I’m linking up with: Literacy Musing Mondays, Purposeful Faith, Tea & Word Tuesday, Abounding Grace, Tell His Story, Porch Stories, Let’s Have Coffee, Worth Beyond Rubies, Moments of Hope, Tune in Thursday, Dance with Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Faith ‘n Friends, Blogger Voices Network, Grace & Truth, Heart Encouragement
‘I can avoid eye contact or choose to be the person I would want someone to be to me.’
Oh wow, Rebecca. You hit home with this …
Thanks Linda. I’m reminding myself over and over.
“knowing that I’m worth seeing is the beginning of being seen.” You’ve nailed it.
Its uncomfortable for some of us, but absolutely true. Be the friend you want to have, to someone who needs a friend. It works!
It is uncomfortable, but God rarely calls us to what is comfortable.
This is such a struggle for me. Actually, I would prefer to read this post (and the others) invisibly. As I see myself. But this post is a challenge and an encouragement. Striving to see that I’m worth seeing. Thanks!
I hear you, my friend. I really do. Praying God shows you more of who He sees in you every day. Sending hugs!
So true!! We do need to bask in the worth of who God says we are and know that how He sees us is the most important part!! It does allow for confidence instead of all the insecurities that I can at times tend to gravitate towards. #tellhisstory linkup
He does give us the confidence we need. When we choose His truth instead of our insecurity we can see more of who we really are!
Lots of wisdom here, Rebecca, and it’s so much easier to skulk through public spaces, get our business done, and live small, safe lives. So great that you took the risk of initiating conversation. I need to work harder at this. (And trust more.)
It can be so challenging, but I’m finding it is worth it. Not only for me or the conversation, but for my faith.
I feel the introvert coming out in me when I read this. I just see myself so much in this post. Thanks for posting and for the great reminders. Pinned. Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements.
Yes, these can be introvert tendencies for sure!
OH…ouch!! I am all too familiar with this way of thinking…like I do not fit in, no one really wants me to bother them, etc. I am 71 now and still have those moments. It is “moments” rather than a “constant” now though for which I am grateful. God continues to teach me of my worth through His Word. He holds me near and reminds me of His love for me. Oh, I am so thankful that, finally, I have the One to Whom I can trust completely. I just need a reminder from Him now and again these day…“knowing that I’m worth seeing is the beginning of being seen.”
Thanks for bringing this to my attention today so that I can refocus on Him.
He is so filled with grace and patience I can hardly believe it. The only way I truly believe it is by seeing His faithfulness over and over. I’m so grateful He shows us again and again how much He loves us and how He sees us!
We’ve all felt that way. sometimes I don’t want to reach out bc I’m all about me,myself and I. the great thing is God is all seeing and I need to listen to his prompts and obey, as you did. (: A great point to see ourselves first or that we know God is seeing myself – which always gives me the kupstpah or whatever that great word is, to go ahead and say something and stop my ad nauseum navel gazing. How cool you live in Conn.
What a great gift it is to remind ourselves of how God sees us in those moments!
(And I’ve never heard anyone say how cool it is to live in Connecticut! LOL)
“Sometimes you need to see yourself before someone else can see you.” What a thought to ponder. Too many times I skip over a possible conversation with a stranger to even an acquaintance —an opportunity that the Lord might use me in some way—because I’m self-conscious. But why a great reminder that God made me worth seeing.
It is so comforting that I’m not the only one! I’m grateful we can walk these things out together!
Great post. I can really relate to this! I ask myself these same questions more often than I care to admit. Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for being a friend on this journey!