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My wife would be happy to tell you that I’m not observant. She would point to examples such as us driving down a road very close to our home and passing a building that is currently under construction.
“Oh, look that is going to be a Chipotle,” I said with utter surprise.
As she laughed, my wife said, “Are you kidding me? That sign has been there for three months!”
OK, guilty as charged, but as I sat down to write this blog, I thought I am actually pretty observant. I mean, if one of my players is having a bad day, I immediately notice. If my kids are off, I notice. Even though I have about 100 students, I try to take notice of them so as to help any way I can. That’s observant, right?
As I continued to reflect, I realized what the difference was. I try to be observant about those things I care about, but everything else, well, it could be three months before I notice.
Probably many people fall into this boat. The problem is what keeps us from taking notice is that we are often wrapped up in ourselves. And although we might like to think we are kind and giving souls who notice and care about people, we really only notice the people who affect our lives.
Probably most of you are giving me a pass right now, and I appreciate that. I mean, I listed lots of things I do notice, and you’re probably thinking, Noah’s doing pretty good. Well, here is the problem: we aren’t called to do pretty good. Our example of the power of observation should be Jesus. He was a busy guy. He knew His time was near, but through all of that, He never failed to take notice.
Here are just a few of the ways documented that Jesus took notice: the women who dropped two coins in the offering, Zacchaeus in that sycamore tree, the leper whom everyone ignored, the Samaritan woman, the crippled beggar, fishermen casting nets, the blind man, and little children.
All of these individuals were not only noticed by Jesus, but they knew he noticed them. I think about individuals today, and they crave for this type of noticing by others. I see it every day in school. Individuals have a longing to be noticed…to know they aren’t alone.
Jesus called them by name. He carried on conversations with people who were often ignored. He made eye contact with those who had been forgotten. He asked them questions, and listened to the answers. This is what Jesus did, and it is what we should do as well.
Jesus noticed and broke bread with those who weren’t fit to sit at the table. Next time someone is eating alone at work or school, take notice and join them. Jesus also spoke to those dirty, diseased people on the street that no one would give the time of day. Next time someone is on the street and in need, take notice and speak to them. He noticed and carried on conversations with those who were different ethnically and culturally. Next time there is an opportunity to speak to someone who may not fit in a particular cultural box, take notice and do so.
Of course, there are times we take notice of someone, but can’t let them know. Perhaps you’re driving down the road, or someone is across a crowded room. There still is no excuse for not praying for them right there and then. If you can’t notice them the way Jesus did, pray that He will notice them in His special way.
So let’s work on this together. Turn off the television and really listen to how your kid’s day went. Lift up a prayer for that lady sitting next to you at a stop light sobbing. Make eye contact with the man on the corner and start a conversation. Take notice of who others are and what they need, like Jesus did, and I will do the same. Until next time.
Mr Duncan,
You did this very act of noticing when my student was having a bad day! We are eternally grateful for you presence at SDHS!
Thank you so much for the kind words and for reading.
I think this is my favorite post so far, Noah. Lately, I have been trying to notice simple things that give pleasure to our very existence. Yesterday, for instance, I observed that feeling of “happy anticipation” you get when the movie theater turns the lights down and the show is about to begin. It’s five seconds and worth noticing. Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.
Thanks for the kind words and what you said makes so much sense.
Great stuff my friend!
Thanks brother