I saw his heart

 I had an opportunity to visit a friend with the missionaries this week. Oh, how I have changed since my mission in ways that I had not realized.  The friend was a self-referral, and when we arrived for the appointment the sister missionaries greeted him, introduced me, and asked if he had read any of the Book of Mormon since they last met.  The friend talked about how it was good to have a bible again, and that God talked to him every day.  He talked about a dream that he had which gave him a purpose, then about his plans to move downtown, and visits with friends at the STA Plaza. The sisters asked questions that coaxed and redirected him to the message, and although I don't like to admit it, I was dismissing the friend as not really interested. Then the sisters asked me to share how taking the sacrament each week affected me.  As I spoke, he listened and made eye contact, and suddenly the veil over my own eyes was momentarily lifted. I saw his heart. God showed me that this new friend was important to Him. 

Since then, I have been thinking about Christ's ministry, the Easter message, the General Conference messages, multiple episodes of the Chosen series, and it all reminded me that "We don't earn our value to God."  The parable of the laborers in the vineyard demonstrates that those who work all day, and those who come later and work all receive the same compensation. We all belong to Him, and every person, know it or not, faithful or not, of sound mind, or not, is valued by God.  We are his children, and not one of us should judge, measure, or dismiss another son or daughter of God.

I was more open to others 40+ years ago as missionary.  Since then, I have become more judgmental, cynical, and skeptical.  I see but forget to use Heavenly Eyesight.

I want to see more people though God's eyes. What a difference it would make if I ceased to evaluate the meaning, merits, and motivation of another person.

Seeing through heavenly eyes rather than my earthly ones.