Ok, I’ll admit it. I was tempted to skip the talent show at family camp this year. Not that I had anything against talent shows, but honestly, those programs can get a little hokey sometimes. Even the camp director joked about it. “Be sure to join us for tonight’s talent show – but remember – the emphasis is on the show, not the talent.”  

I figured some quiet time with a good book sounded more enjoyable than sitting through a night of silly skits and little kids plunking out Jesus Loves Me on the piano. What would I get out of a silly talent show?

Well, as it turned out, plenty.

The show began pretty much as expected. A boy told some jokes. A little girl hoola-hooped. It was somewhat entertaining – maybe even cute. But then Elijah, a teenage boy with down’s syndrome, came forward.

As the music began, Elijah broke into a lively, impromptu break-dancing routine. Everyone cheered while he joyfully hip-hopped his way through a song called, Don’t Waste Your Life. He was having a blast – and I couldn’t help but laugh and cheer along with the rest of the crowd. A lump formed in my throat. How glad I was that I didn’t miss Elijah.    

A few acts later a man walked onto the stage and stood in front of the piano. “I’d like to play a song for my wife,” he said, a serious expression on his face. “You see, we’ve been going through the toughest battle of our lives since she was diagnosed with stage-four cancer.”   

At first I just sat quietly, listening to the music and appreciating the man’s obvious skill. I glanced at my two older girls, giving them my see-what-you-can-accomplish-when-you-practice-the-piano look, and hoped they got my point.

However, as the music filled the chapel, I found myself staring at his wife. She seemed vaguely familiar. Perhaps we’d sat at the same table for dinner one night. That’s right, I thought, their daughter was in Taylor’s small group this week. I’d noticed her around camp, but I’d never really seen her. Now I realized she was wearing a wig.

The woman dabbed her eyes as her husband tenderly poured out his heart onto the piano keys. I listened to the music and began to consider what this couple must be going through. Then my thoughts drifted to my own life. What if Curt and I were faced with such challenges? I suddenly felt grateful for the blessings in my life. How lucky I was to be able to share my life with my best friend. What an awesome privilege to raise our three girls. I began to realize so many little things I’ve taken for granted.

I’d been at family camp all week but never really noticed the people around me. A scary thought crossed my mind. Noticing people wasn’t enough. Sometimes I need to connect with them. But striking up a conversation with a stranger? That was out of my comfort zone.

The next morning I found myself face-to-face with the woman. I took a deep breath, introduced myself and told her I’d be praying for her. Well that little comment was the beginning of a wonderful conversation – one that we finished later that afternoon at a quiet little table down by the lake.

Not only did I learn more about this precious woman’s amazing journey, but I also discovered that she and I shared a common interest: to write – and one day be published.   

Most importantly, I learned that when I take my eyes off of myself, God helps me really see those around me. He’ll even help me connect with them.  

As you go about your usual routine this week, I encourage you to look a little closer at those around you. You never know, God might have someone special for you to connect with.