Treasures You Know Not

Brittany plays soccer on my daughter's team. When my kids play sports I am vaguely aware of other people being in the stands. My wife is much more in tune with people than with the actual game although she watches the game. I on the other hand like to sit or stand by myself and watch. I don't multi-task especially at sporting events. Anyway, I could probably have picked Brittany's parents out of a line up but I had never talked to them really. I would do the polite nod and smile and then my face would return to the slightly concerned look of the too competitive father. Yesterday I was visiting my father in law in the hospital (he is doing much better and came home from the hospital today). We were talking when his doctor came in to check on him. It was Brittany's dad. He was very friendly and professional and obviously knew what he was doing. By the time he left I was feeling grateful my father in law was in such good hands. That night I went to the soccer game. I looked forward to seeing Brittany's dad just to say hello. I found it fascinating how quickly my feelings had changed toward him. I looked up at the stands and scanned the faces of the parents watching their daughters play. I wondered what each one did for a living or how each of our lives might touch each other away from the soccer field. I blunder through so much of life unaware of the gifts that crowd around me. I remember C.S.Lewis writing that a person, any person, is the most magnificent thing you will ever encounter outside of God Himself. Yesterday I found myself really seeing Dr. Chung for the first time. I was thankful for how God had gifted him and thought this treasure has been sitting next to me all year and I never even noticed. I guess I am inviting you to look around today. The person behind you at Starbucks may be the one who one day saves your life or you theirs. The world is full of jewels and they all have names even if you don't know them yet.