It was probably on a Friday.

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I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
--From Ezekiel

In 1979, Amy Grant recorded a song called Father's Eyes. I'm a big fan of Grant and her music, but I never really cared for that song. In fact it always kind of annoyed; however, I heard it while driving in the car yesterday, and I was struck by the second verse and the chorus:

She had her Father's eyes...
Eyes that found the good in things,
When good was not around;
Eyes that found the source of help,
When help would not be found;
Eyes full of compassion,
Seeing every pain;
Knowing what you're going through,
And feeling it the same.
Just like my Father's eyes...

Is this not what it means to follow the teachings of Jesus? Do I see the good when it is nowhere to be found? Do I find help for others when nobody else can or will? Do I see the pain of others? Do I see what people are going through and move in and stand beside them, feeling along with them the gravity of disappointment and heartache?

Or do I look away, taking the ideology of personal responsibility to such a convenient level that I dismiss my stony heart and the needs fortuitously placed in my path? But, wait. Those events are not fortuitious at all, even if seeing needs makes me lucky. If our eyes see, well, then, is this not God's intention?
When you have a chance, read this.

Here is a link to Grant singing Father's Eyes.