The Problem Wasn’t the Seats

Growing Daily

Many years ago, I took my young son to his first NHL hockey game in Boston.

After the long drive, we finally stepped into the massive arena and made our way to the front row of the first balcony. I looked at Jon excitedly, but he glanced down at the ice and said, “Aw Dad, why’d you get seats so far away?”

My heart sank. I had picked these seats carefully so he’d have a great view without being blocked by taller spectators.

“What do you mean, Jon? These are really good seats.”

“But we’re so far away. Everyone’s blurry.”

My heart sank again — but for a completely different reason. I realized at that moment: Jon needed glasses.

Jon wasn't criticizing me. He was struggling. What might have sounded like a complaint was actually an indication of a completely different problem.

Sometimes it's easy to react to someone's words without recognizing the need underneath them. A coworker who snaps at you might be overwhelmed, not hostile. A friend who seems distant might be hurting, not cold.

Jesus showed us what it means to look beyond outward appearances and recognize what people truly need. Even when the crowds interrupted His plans for some much-needed rest, “He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34).

Today, pause to listen. Ask God to help you hear the real need behind someone’s words.

- Ron Reid