Paying Attention?
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When I tucked my grandson Ezra in for the night, I had no idea I was going to get a new spiritual revelation. It should not have surprised me, though. I continually get new insights when I really zone in on what they say and how they behave. Children are fabulous teachers.
We laughed as we replayed the things we did during the day, and then I asked if he’d like to lead in our prayer. (There’s something invigorating about hearing children pray – you know, talking to Jesus in the way you’d talk with your best friend.)
Ezra prayed for our family, our friends, and for those who were sick and hurting. And then he made a request that really captured my heart . . .
And God, would You please help me to pay attention to You?
What a delightful appeal voiced to our Father who longs for His children to notice Him, praise and worship Him, and yes – pay attention to Him!
I have not been able to get that phrase out of my mind. I’ve joined Ezra in asking my Father to help me pay attention – REALLY – pay attention to Him.
Paying attention requires slowing down and focusing. It requires eyes that are seeing, ears that are hearing, and a heart that is “keeping present” in the moment.
As the days have passed since the prayer that stirred my heart, I’ve been paying attention to God in a fresh way. Here are some of those experiences:
I noticed that I’d had a really good night’s sleep and thanked Him immediately.
A friend had a specific need and asked me to pray for her. This need was met.
I noticed what God did and thanked Him.
My flesh really wanted to lash out one day, but I felt the nudge (and had the fortitude) to keep quiet. THAT WAS GOD. I noticed and thanked Him.
I also slowed down, realizing He allowed me to . . .
Drink in a beautiful gaze from my baby granddaughter with her big blue eyes.
“Step into scripture” – taking time to talk with Him and ask that He help me apply what I had just read to a personal situation.
Notice the grace extended to me from my husband, and especially enjoy our crazy times together.
Enjoy the laughter and “at home feeling” with my friends.
Truly delight in every moment of teaching His Word and being with those who want to learn.
Notice my Self-Talk, realizing that He sees me in a far different way than I see myself.
With each moment of slowing down and really paying attention, I was almost giddy with gratitude for the goodness of God!
Paying attention to Him as I prepared meals, cleaned my house, sang, exercised – and worked through all the little ordinary things that filled my days – brought me to a deeper and more vibrant place of worship.
Why, I even noticed that paying attention to Jesus in those times when I groaned about having a tired body, achy joints, and unsettling circumstances – all served as reminders that nothing in this earthly living is forever.
Yes, It’s a WIN-WIN with God when you truly learn to pay attention to Him.
I’m really thankful my li’l guy taught me to be more observant of God’s involvement in my life. Not one moment escapes His loving gaze. His eyes are always on me, and I’m determined to offer Him a heart that pays attention to Him, because . . . He always pays attention to ME!
Dear Father, it’s a sweet choice – the right choice and life-giving choice – to pay attention to You. By doing so, You keep me from wrong words, behaviors, and attitudes. You also fill my life with goodness that’s all around me that often goes unnoticed when I am too busy or too rushed, or simply not “being in the moment.” Thank You for giving me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that truly wants to notice You and please You. I love You dear Lord, with a full and overflowing heart. Amen.