Invisible

This week on my walk I had an experience that I just can’t stop thinking about.  It stopped me in my tracks and honestly let me feeling a touch of sadness.  “I’m invisible.”  Those were the words he spoke.

It started with my mom and I doing our normal walk route.  Part way through we saw a small group of four people chatting and admiring the most gorgeous huge white haired dog.  We smiled and kept going but a few blocks later we met the same man and his dog.  It was hot out and we were in a hurry to get home but due to the way we crossed paths the dog stopped us and we politely petted him.  We made small talk about the dog and my mom asked the dog’s name.  We’d made eye contact with the owner and exchanged pleasantries.

Somewhere in our conversation he said that short phrase that broke my heart, “I’m invisible to most people.”  I asked him his name and his jaw fell open.  “Not once has anyone asked my name when I’m out,” he responded.  And then I’m pretty sure my jaw fell open.  When I reached out to shake his hand the look of complete shock was something I hope I never forget.  This man thought he was invisible to people.  And that’s not okay.

It reminded me of another time last year when I was standing in line at an event and while I was waiting I asked the man who was helping orchestrate things how his day was going.  He just looked at me surprised and said I was the first person (at the end of a line of 200 people!) that had asked him anything about himself that day.  That’s not okay.

How many times in my hurry and rush do I forget about people?  How many times do I not stop to see those who are right in front of me.  Because honestly it only takes a few seconds but it matters.  People shouldn’t be invisible.

I can’t remember where but I do recall reading an article that talked about how sales people are often just asked questions about things all day and rarely does anyone even say hi first.  They just dive in with their questions of “what aisle can I find this?” or “can you help me with…”  I know I’ve done it.  Ever since then I’ve tried to remember to say hello first and even ask how their day is going.  One time I forgot and just started in with all my questions to the check out lady and then remembered mid sentence and stopped and said, “You know I didn’t even say hi, hello!”  And she thanked me because she said most people don’t.  See the theme here?  People because invisible to us so quickly.

Maybe you feel invisible today.  Maybe you feel like everyone else’s life is going beautifully and you’re just over there feeling unseen and plodding along.  I want to tell you today that you are seen and known and NOT invisible.  The God of the universe knows your name and he cares.  You’re not forgotten.  Your life matters.  So today this is my little love note to whoever needs it to say I’m so glad you exist.

And for all of us I hope that whomever we come in contact with will know that we truly see them.

Do you feel invisible?  If so please leave a comment below so I can give you a virtual hug!