A Word to Live Into

The word notice is worth taking note of. It is gentle yet has the potential to change everything.

My children sometimes tease me about my affinity for cozy mysteries. I do not like the fact that they often involve murder, but I do like that there is an element of problem-solving. Moreover, the best detectives are good at noticing small things. Over time, mysteries may have helped me want to notice more in my own life.

There are so many things to notice. It is common to hear the invitation to notice the beauty around us. You may be drawn to that today.

Last week, when I was getting ready to go out, I realized I had misplaced my phone. I retraced my steps, looking here and there. I did not see it. Then I stopped. Took a breath. Gathered myself and set off again. This time, I set off searching with intent. I was not just scanning the room, I was looking to see. Then suddenly, I noticed it sitting on my desk behind a book. It was there all along. Only when I looked in a certain way did I notice it.

This happens all the time. We tend to notice what we want to see, or we can see but not notice.

We can be with people but not notice them. We may not want to notice certain people with different social, political, or religious views. We may see that a person is old but not notice their wisdom. We may see that a person is young and not notice their potential. We may see that a person is quiet but not notice the deep well of life alive in them. We may see that a person is loud but not notice the compassionate passion that animates them. We may see but not notice.

What else may there be to notice?

To notice is to pay attention.

To notice is to become aware.

To notice is to take note.

You notice by being curious and open to new people and things. To notice is to search with the eyes of a beginner, open to discoveries. To notice is to see with the eyes of experience, willing to go beyond the surface where deeper treasure lies. To notice takes time and intention. The good news is that once you begin to notice one thing, it becomes easier to notice other things.

To notice and acknowledge life as it is helps you be in the moment and move forward in hope. I have found that sometimes the hardest thing to notice is myself. As a result, over the years, I have made it a practice to try to notice. I try to notice what is happening with or around me, then pause and share it with God. In this way, noticing can become a form of prayer.

I find this practice of noticing comforting and helpful because I know God is already aware of what I suddenly notice. Sometimes, I ask God to help me understand what I notice. Usually, sharing it with Him is enough. This practice of noticing with God helps me feel grounded and more content.

What do you notice today?

More to consider ....

Read and meditate on Psalm 66.

What does it tell you about noticing?