Outward Appearances

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:6-8
 
I realize this verse is talking about our own hearts and what they are like, but I am reminded of others too when I think of this verse.  I realize so often that people look just fine on the outside, but we rarely know what hurts or celebrations they're having because we don't often take the time to really find out.  It reminds me of a funny (well, now it's funny...at the time a little shocking and embarrassing!) story that happened a couple of years ago.  (Taylor reminded me of this story when we were at John's last week.  She loves to recall it and the absolute shock she produced for all parties involved!)
 
We were at John Kennedy's getting a pair of Taylor's eyes made...back in the days that we could get a new set in one full day.  Taylor and I would have to pass the hours of time it would take for John to complete the eyes, so we had fun shopping, eating, having coffee...you know all the girlie things Moms and Daughters love to do together.  There was just one problem.  Taylor didn't have her prosthetic eyes in, so we would keep sunglasses on her at all times. From the outside, no one would really know what was going on behind the glasses. It honestly was a great coverup.
 
I was in the midst of ordering our Starbuck's concoctions with the very sweet, young, jovial gal when I hear Taylor say, "Can I show you something?"  The woman's reply was cut short, and her smile turned to full-blown open mouth silence.  I didn't even have to look down to see what was going on. I knew Taylor had taken off her sunglasses to show this lady what her open eye sockets looked like.  I can't say I've been around too many people (OK, ANYone) who's had the same experience.   I felt so awkward, embarrassed, shocked, and then nearly hysterical in laughter within a matter of seconds.  It totally hit me that only Taylor could pull something like this off without missing a beat.  She was truly proud of herself. 
 
I wish I could say I recovered quickly or that the young woman recovered at all.  I often wonder how she retold that story to people over time.  I would have loved to be a fly on the wall in her house that night! 
 
What I thought though was that we never know what's behind the outward appearance...and oh, how often I judge by the outside looks, smiles, clothes, everything!  I also got to thinking about my coverups.  What do I try to hide behind?  It's not too often we get Taylors in our lives who will just let it out without being asked and not caring what the response in return will be. I have no idea what is REALLY going on with someone unless I ask and take the time to listen.   I want to be an asker, a listener, and be ready to hear and see the raw truth...the good and the bad.