Minute Message   : Open Your Eyes

Publication Date : 9/1/96



	I really enjoyed the movie "Apollo 13." Though I knew what

the outcome would be, I was held in suspense as the people on the

ground worked frantically to bring the three astronauts back

home.



	History was made in those few days. I do not remember what I

was doing then. Looking back it was probably a simple routine

day. I was doing my thing and was completely oblivious to what

was happening in the sky above me.



	I think with many of us, that is the way much of our lives

are lived. We go about our everyday responsibility and fail to

see what is going on around us. A marriage falls apart and we are

not aware of it until we read it in the papers. Someone is facing

health crisis, but we never seem to notice. 



	We are not alone in this. When Jesus was crucified, nearly

all of Israel was so caught up in observing a Jewish feast day

that they did not know what was occurring just outside the walls

of their city.



	So... how can we be more sensitive to people? Do what Jesus 

did. He had a sincere interest in others. He was never too busy

to reach out to people and He was never so full of Himself that

he couldn't find time for the most needy. Give it a try.



Norman Russell

2761 Broadway

North Bend, Oregon USA  97459