The story on KLove was about an elderly woman who lived alone and would order a Dominoes Pizza every day. It was her favorite meal and so she would eat it every single day. Well, one day went by and no order. Two days went by and no order. Three days went by and still no order. Most people...me, for instance...would have just figured this little lady was tired of pizza or maybe she was out of town or something. No, the woman that worked at Dominoes became concerned and so she went to the elderly woman's home. Turns out the woman had fallen 3 days earlier and was unable to get up or get to a phone. She would not have survived if the Dominoes employee had not been 'paying attention.'
This story got me to thinking...there are so many times when I don't pay attention. There are times when my husband and I are in the car talking...he will see something that catches his eye. He will ask me, 'Hey, did you see that?' And 99% of the time, I did not see anything. I think about the times when I deal with a customer at my husband's business...I will ask them their name and phone number when I make an appointment for them. I will gladly take their money when they pick up their car. But, how many times do I really look at them? I think about my grandkids...there are so many times when one of them will come to me and tell me something that has excited them. I half-heartedly listen and when they leave my side, I think...what did they say. I watch a TV show...most of the time I can't tell you what it was about because I just didn't give it my full attention. On the rare occasion when I get to enjoy adult church...I think I listen intently...but after the sermon I can't remember what it was about. I know it was a good sermon...I know there were things that touched me, but I couldn't tell you what it was about for the life of me.
Why is it that we...I...don't pay attention? I know for me, it's mostly because I live in this 'I want it now, I want it my way' world. We live in a drive-thru kind of mentality today. It is just an excuse, but I'm really kind of sick of it. It has gotten to the point that even the most important things to me...my family...my kids and grandkids...my ministry...don't get the attention that I know they should be getting.
Matthew 9 is chock full of Jesus paying attention. He was paying attention to the needs of others. Jesus was always paying attention to those around Him. I want to pay attention more to the people with whom I come in contact with. I want to make the people I come in contact with every day...the checker at Wal-Mart, the gas station attendant, the customer whose car we just fixed...I want them to feel like I really do give a care about them. I want to pay attention to my grandkids...one day I won't be here and I want them to remember that Nana always listened to their stories. I want to 'pay attention' to the gentle touch of the Holy Spirit as He nudges me to speak to someone or pray for them or whatever it is He wants me to do. I want to hear from God...I want to pay attention to His voice. I wonder how many times I have missed Him speaking to me just because I was not 'paying attention?'
So, with the help of God, I will become better at paying attention.
Walking the walk & talking the talk,
7 comments:
Wow! What a wonderful post. I am the same as you, I listen but sometimes I don't really hear. What is the Bible says, those that have ears let them hear, we listen but we don't really hear. It is a shame because we DO miss out on so much. When I hear but don't listen and I am aware of it I begin to think what I have missed out on. Sometimes it can be scary as God does talk to us and we can miss what He says to us. Thank you for a really great post. Love you.
I want to be His hands and feet. So many in this world are hurting. They just need one person to show care and concern. I want to be used by God to reach this world. This is a great post and I love the Klove story!
By the way Debi, it is so good to have you back posting. I have missed reading those 'Nuggets From God'. I pray the things that have caused you so much pain is getting better. By the way you are the BEST Children's Pastor, so don't give it up. God would not have called you to be one if He hadn't wanted you to BE one. Blessings and love you.
Thank you so much for your kind words. God is a good God!
Wow, what a great story and you're so not alone... I notice I do this with my own children... especially when I'm sitting right here at the computer :) Thank you... I'm convicted and He will indeed walk us through!
Great post!!! I'm just as guilty as you on all the things you listed. I don't ever want to be so busy with myself that I miss God's voice or an opportunity to help those around me.
Wonderful post Debi! I heard the same story on K-Love this morning (Thanks to Jenifer telling me about the station some time ago :-) ) and you're right, it was a wonderful reminder how important it is for us to pay attention. We need to keep listening for His Guidance, and looking for any chance we can to serve Him around us.
Have a Blessed Day!
Post a Comment