She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20 (NIV)
She Opens Her Arms – Proverb Ponderings – Part 4
Go to PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5
I recently wrote on our mirror, ‘Have eyes that see.'
My Grandmother is 93, and she is pretty much blind. Doctors say she has less than five percent sight. Sight is something that we often take for granted.
The funny thing is that wherever we go, my Grandma knows exactly where we are. She gives me directions; she tells me off for using my phone while driving; her sense of hearing, touch and taste are refined so well, that she is totally present even without sight.
My grandma sees’s, but not with her physical eyes.
She perceives. So much so, it's scary.
The quote I wrote on my mirror hanging in our bathroom had more to do with perception than what I was visually focusing on with my eyes throughout the day.
I love this quote from Camille Pissaro;
“Blessed are those who see beautiful things in humble places, where other people see nothing.“
During these days of Novice Motherhood, I am surrounded by humble things. Moments when I try to wish away the tantrums and usher in better days. Wisdom is teaching me, however, to find beauty in the messy moments; to laugh when all I want to do is cry, and to look for other people who are struggling. It helps me find blessing in my weak places. We all have humble moments, right?!
Bank balances that cause terror as the EFTPOS card are awaiting its decline.
Misunderstandings between family members that make us feel small.
Even winter and its weather, that stops us from reaching out from the walls of our homes and shuts us away from neighbors.
Isolation
Depression
Disappointments
I love the depth of this proverb:
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:20.
The picture this proverb creates of a woman of wisdom is open, fresh and inviting. She doesn’t just throw money at those who are less fortunate than her; she throws open her whole self and extends her hands, not just in sentimentality, but practically, too, to make a difference.
Not only do I want to live a life where I open my arms and hands to those who are financially burdened, I also want to see those who are lonely and include them; I want to find beauty for those who have lost hope; and I want to walk with people who are a little lost and help them find their way.
I want to see.
I don’t want to stand alongside the lady at the playground with my head down looking at my phone. I don’t want to stare off into the distance in the shopping queue, tapping my foot, asking the lady in front to hurry. I don’t want to miss moments with my children when they learn something new.
I want to see.
How about you?
Are you so full of noise on the inside of your story that you are unable to see another’s pain?
To truly see: this, my friend, is the call of wisdom.
Go to Part 5 – Your Heart Condition »
Written by Amanda Viviers.
Amanda is a novice mum, writer and speaker who loves helping people find their voice.
You can find her at amandaviviers.com and on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook @amandaviviers
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