Love Observed.

I people watch. All the time. I’m just an observer by nature and take notice of everything—on purpose. You might think I missed something because I don't often make mention of things. But I promise, I'm very aware of what's going on around me. I mostly enjoy watching people interact. Is that weird? Maybe I am a little weird. But you should try it sometime. There’s so much to take in.

Anyways—I was at one of my sporting events last spring and had the opportunity to observe a family. They were all new faces to me, even though I’ve been around for five years now. On many occasions they would sit next to me, cheering on the varsity team, as if their child was playing. But she wasn't. She typically didn't see time in a varsity game. Yet they were always there, offering up some of the best support. 

This family consisted of mom, dad and five children ranging in ages from probably 9 to 15, if I had to guess. Typically mom would arrive first with the younger siblings. They always sat together and almost always could be found sharing a snack or drink, while sitting on the same blanket. What? Sharing and sitting together—that's crazy. Also, it wasn't uncommon for one of them to sit on mom's lap briefly or offer some type of affection. Something you just don't really see. The brother, who I’m assuming was third in line (I could be wrong) and the only male sibling, always took care of his sisters. On the colder days, he made sure they were covered with a blanket and if they were still cold, he would give up his and sometimes even his jacket. I was amazed at the love he had for his sisters.

One thing that stuck out to me is that the younger siblings always wanted to see and hug their big sister before her game. And as I mentioned, they are not young. They are old enough that it might seem weird to most people. I was so taken back by the love that was so freely given in this family, especially among siblings. It made my heart so happy, each and every time. I often found myself asking, "What is so different about their family than everyone else's? or Why aren't we all like that with our loved ones?" 

Dad usually arrived later, as it was obvious he came straight from a hard day's work. I'm sure he wanted nothing more than to be home to shower and relax. But there he was, joining his family. And every single time, without missing a beat, even as his kids were elated to see him, he went straight to his wife first. Kissed her and told her he loved her. Guys, it was so sweet and real! I had to pinch myself to make sure it was truly real life and I wasn't imagining it. Do people actually still do this? It's so few and far between anymore. Immediately following, it was a mad dash for which kiddo could get the first hug from dad. As he embraced each one, dad kissed their foreheads and told them all he loved them. I'm not crying. You're crying. Again, these are not young children. Most kids at this age are already embarrassed to be seen with their parents. But these kids weren't. They were thrilled to death to see their dad and to tell him they loved him. 

Often times dad showed up with a drink, especially on the warmer days. He looked like he needed it. But the kids always asked if they could have a sip even though they had their own drinks with them. And dad knew that. Without any hesitation or gripe, he'd hand over the cup, knowing he wouldn't get another taste of it. He never said, "you have your own drink" or "no, this is mine," but rather freely gave his children all that he had. Maybe this doesn't seem like a big deal to you, but it was to me. I didn't grow up like that. I mean we shared, but not to that level of sacrifice. To see this unselfish love was amazing to me. 

As the game went on and the kids started getting bored and restless, they would annoy each other, just as everyone does. Not to the same degree me and my sisters did back in the day, but enough to where a parent stepped in. But all it took was for dad to say, "enough" or "knock it off." And that was it! They immediately stopped. There wasn't another peep from any of the kids. Either my sisters and I were total shitheads growing up or this family was knocking it out of the park with everything. I'm leaning more towards the latter, but it's likely a little of both. I continued to be in awe by the gentle, loving nature of this family and how they interacted with one another. It was a respect you just don't really see. But it was even more than that. 

After a while, dad would leave so he could finally get home and showered and maybe put his feet up for the first time in probably 14 hours. I don't know that for sure, but in my head that's what I was assuming. He again, kissed his wife goodbye as he told her he loved her. Then each child followed in suit. Dad even made a point to see his oldest, who was in the dugout—and told her he loved her, before he left. The love of this family is something I have not seen in a very long time. 

All of this seems so simple and obvious. Like duh—they are a family, it should be that way. But it's not always that way. I'd argue what they have is rare. We are not all like that. We are all raised differently. That family dynamic was not mine growing up. I'm not saying we didn't love each other, but our interactions as a family were totally different. As I observed this family, I mostly just found myself astonished. Like God was doing amazing things in that family unit. It's such a rare occurrence anymore, but it was beautiful. 

I was shocked to see a married couple and much less, ALL of their children, together, supporting their oldest child and sibling. It's something that I am not accustomed to seeing this day and age. We live in a society where divorce is commonplace and love is superficial. We give up on each other so easily anymore. Siblings go their own ways, even at an early age. We don't make the effort to be there for each other. We'd rather do our own thing and maybe reconvene when it's convenient for us. And I'm not judging, because believe me, I fall into this as well. It was just eye opening. 

It was truly a privilege to observe the love of this family. It restored my hope. It made me want to grow stronger in my faith. It made me realize that God is still good and present in our lives. We just need to let Him in. Although I have no idea what religious beliefs that family has, I know God is at their core. It was so evident. I pray that one day, all families will share that same love, connection and close bond with one another. 

If you get the opportunity to people watch, I hope it's love that you observe. It seems rare to find but it is incredible to witness that connection among people. It will bring a smile to your face and maybe even encourage a change in your own behavior. Love observed is a beautiful thing!