“If you can see them, they can see you”

This past weekend, my seven year old daughter spent the weekend singing and dancing in front of local judges. She was allowed to have one parent observe and as I sat down in my seat, I caught her glance at me. She and her friends were huddled off to the side of the stage.

As I winked at her, I had a quick flashback to my childhood. I danced at the same dance studio for many of the same teachers she has. I can remember being huddled off on the side of the stage with my friends so many times. I remember the butterflies in my stomach, the excitement in my jitters, and my friends’ nervous whispers in my ear.

I can remember my dance teacher always instructing us to stay hidden in the wings of the stage until it was our turn. You see, if the audience can see all the chaos in the wings of the stage it steals their focus from the actual show ON the stage. Her cue was to stay far enough back that we could not see the audience. She would repeatedly say to us:

“If you can see them, they can see you!”

And in the moment that the memory of her words came into my mind, I felt a lightbulb go off! The truth of her words suddenly spiraled into a double meaning for me as I thought back to the day prior.

I had spent the previous day with an intelligent, driven, and engaged Physical Therapist Student. Those kind of students always motivate and inspire me. I spent the day talking about protocols, research, and tips/tricks I have learned over the years treating patients rehabilitating from concussion and dizziness.

The student asked informed questions and stated she had an interest in treating concussions and dizziness in her future. As we left the clinic that day I could feel in my gut, she was going to be a good Physical Therapist one day. Which made me wonder, “What would make her a GREAT Physical Therapist, though?” Had I taught her enough to be GREAT or just good? And if I could do that day over, what would I have added to what I taught her? After all, did I, myself, even know what it took to be a GREAT Physical Therapist?

I was brought back to the present time as my daughter and her friends took the dance floor. They sang, they danced, they bowed. Then they stood and awaited the judges response. Three seven year old girls, in their perfect costumes, wearing perfect makeup, after trying their best to perfectly sing and dance stood in front of three adult judges to hear their results.

I myself had been in that moment many times. But because it was “my baby” this time, I felt the fragility of the moment. I felt the vulnerability of those three precious little souls. And whether the judges knew it or not, they held in their responses, the ability to make this situation toxic or beautiful!

One by one the judges spoke.

They said things like, “You were so brave even though you were nervous”

“You have down the words and the moves, now you need to have fun”

“I just need to see you smile more”

And more than what they said, it was the tone they used. Their tone was thick with kindness, encouragement, and it was obvious the judges wanted each of those three children to succeed! The tones of their responses were accented in love!

In their responses, I saw their character! Their TRUE character! I saw their humanity! It struck me, suddenly, that only because of the vulnerability of my baby girl in that moment, was I able to see the true character of the judges. Only because those three little girls had been brave enough to go out there and show us their vulnerability, was I able to see the judges for who they really are.

It’s true, after all, “If you can see them, they can see you”

If you can see someone’s vulnerability, see someone’s heart, see someone’s reality and authenticity…then they, in your response, can see you! The “you” that they see in that moment, in your response, will decide whether you are bad, good or great!

THAT is what separates the good from the great Physical Therapists! The response of LOVE to the patient’s vulnerability…NOT the research and protocols!

THAT is what separates the good from the great medical professionals. The good from the great parents. The good from the great friends. Neighbors. Humans. The good from the great Jesus followers!

Jesus commanded us in John 13:34:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”

He taught us how to love. Read the stories of his life, again. Or for the first time, if you never have before. Jesus’ response to the most VULNERABLE was where he shined! His response of love, truth and grace to the most VULNERABLE is how the disciples knew HE was GREAT! That’s how they knew He was God’s Son.

So…This is it, friends. This is our chance. Our only chance to love one another as He taught us. For if we succeed, we will go to a place where vulnerability won’t need to exist. We will go to a Heaven that doesn’t outcast, hurt, humiliate, or damage us. Only love and peace will abide there.

Which means…we only get to show off who we are, here, on Earth. We only get to meet vulnerability with love…HERE ON EARTH!

The non-Jesus followers are watching! The young are watching! The vulnerable are watching! God is watching!

The World Really Is Our Stage!

And, “If you can see them, they can see you!”

Make sure the YOU they see demonstrates the love of Jesus!

Let’s Break A Leg!

Safe Travels!

Morgan Rae