RURAL REFLECTIONS: The eyes have it

There are so many things I could quote in reference to eyes. Dads were blue like the sky. Then there are Bette Davis eyes. And those beautiful, dark eyes of a sweet newborn. Eyes are indeed so much more than vision, color or that occasional wink. They are a silent voice.

Writers are really a pain. We take in everything and processes it. We look at a picture taking in all of the background, the tiniest bit of detail. Yes, writers are observers.

For years I worked with teenagers. It isn’t always easy to connect with teens, but there are ways. I noticed the kids’ body language and eye response. Together they told a story. I then began seeing all people differently.

So many feel invisible. No one pays any notice. They walk with downcast eyes or even mistrustful eyes. Not a word passes between us, yet I want to give them recognition. A smile. A “hi.” Noticing something special about their clothing or hair. The eyes tell the story and those who look will answer.

Tears are a sure giveaway. Sometimes they are happy and often an aching heart. Look in the eyes and know what you should say. Share the happiness or wipe the dampened cheek. For me, the eyes are the mirror of the heart.

Once I was told that I even get along with the dregs of society. Rather than respond to the remark, I found myself glad that I could make an impact on the lives of the invisibles. It wasn’t by anything special on my part. No, it was just looking into another’s eyes and making a choice to respond. I find prejudice a waste of time and humanity.

“Someday someone is going to hurt you,” I’ve sometimes heard my family say. But I know my perimeters and care for myself with those boundaries. Safety is important.

We all deserve to be seen. People in service jobs are often unnoticed. They work for little money and are on their feet all day. We have ignored the world around us because we think only of ourselves. Take time to see the others you so casually pass every day. They are worth it. So are you.

Here is my challenge for you this week: See how many people you can make smile when next you go to the store. I guarantee that your eyes will shine brighter.

The eyes have it, you know.