My parents have often told me that ever since I was a baby, I loved people and I was perceptive.
They said being shy wasn't part of my nature. That I was quick to throw open my arms and want to be held even by strangers if I felt they were a good person. This friendly, unguarded demeanor followed me into my toddlerhood and early childhood until an age where I can remember how fascinated I was by people. I observed how they looked, dressed, behaved, spoke, and interacted.
Church was one of the places I enjoyed people watching the most because I grew up Catholic. When it was time for people to line up to receive the bread and body of Christ, I was wide eyed and ready to be fully entertained by looking at every single person's nose and then their shoes. For some reason, I have always been attracted to this particular facial feature because of how it sits on the face and comes in all different shapes and sizes. I love a big schnoz! As for shoes, that obsession doesn't single me out that much since most women I know have a thing for either purses or shoes.
As I grew older my fascination for people continued and my perceptiveness intensified. Intrigued not only by how people looked and behaved, I was also curious about what they thought or what they were feeling. Today, I realize that all of this is a driving force in my life. Essentially, this is what I do...I observe, perceive, listen, and get to ask questions in order to know what's inside of them.
The beauty in this is that there are no two people that are the same. This is what makes all of us the wonders of God's love. We were created to be one of a kind. To think with our minds, feel with our emotions, and behave with our bodies. These things are part of what make us human and determine how we exist in this world because it is our thoughts, feelings, and actions that drive us to make choices.
During my recent trip to Thailand and Cambodia where I celebrated my 40 years on earth, I explored these countries and all that was around me with the same wide eyes and perceptiveness I had as a little girl in church.
For me, the landscapes, the greenery, the colors, the food, the fashion all paled in comparison to the people I observed and got a chance to interact with. It was so interesting to see the way they lived and how dedicated they were to their work. The people of both countries were of kind heart and warm with a gentle spirit. They were so willing to graciously help and serve as they greeted with soulful eyes and a delicate smile. I was in awe of the inner beauty and peace that beamed out of these people with such grace and humility.
The main religion in these countries is Buddhism, however, here I share a Bible verse that reminded me of the people:
1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.