Tom and I were coming home the other day when suddenly we noticed a block away a new Walgreens in our neighborhood. The crazy thing is we didn’t notice the construction being done. Granted it was behind another store and we never turn down that street, but still you would think we would have seen it.We decided to stop in and check it out. We walked around and bought a couple of things we needed at home. We went to the check out and I asked the lady how long have they been opened. She replied, “Three weeks.” Three weeks – are you kidding me? I’m usually more observant that.
So often when life is busy (and it has been) it’s easy to miss things going on around me. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and all I can see is what is in front of me. I hate that. I like to be concerned with others. I try to be an encourager. How can I do those things, if I don’t notice the needs or hurts? I don’t want to be so absorbed with my life that I miss the world around me, especially people.
I guess its all boils down to how I look at it. I see what I want to see through whatever lens I’m using. If are my lens is clear, filtered through peace then what I see has a peaceful tint. If my lens is clouded by confusion then how I see the world is skewed. I need to take off my “glasses” and have them cleaned from time to time. At this time of year I especially want to be aware of my fellow man and woman.
So how observant are you? I hope better than I am.
© Nadine Z. 2007
Photo of poster named, “Hidden Depths.”
17 comments:
Love the picture and the metaphors!
Most of us are far too inward-looking. Sometimes we need to take a step back and try to see what's going on around us!
yes really! We have recently gotten a new walgreens as well;)
I do not think I am a very observant person, sometimes I think there is a fine line to being observant and being nosey...
I guess it depends on things... My husband always tries to see whats going on across the street, I have to tell him to not be concerned what is around you! But yes sometimes God puts us in situations so we must pay attention AND be observant do we always have our eyes open to him?
Nice post Nadine, and thanks for visiting, I missed you;) have a great day!
It's funny, now that I've started drawing classes, I've become more observant of people, places, things...all the nouns in my life. :)
Thanks for reminding us to look beyond the surface, too...to see if someone's really hurting or lonely, especially this time of year when many people get depressed.
Thanks for the reminder ;)!
Hi Nadine, thank you for stopping by. You are one of the sweetest encouragers I know. You focus on people, not stores.. that is a good thing.
Here's another metaphor for your observation - perhaps God prevented you from seeing it because you needed to focus on the task at hand. Once that task has been completed you can now focus on the next task. - Just a thought while reading your post.
I was literally about to write what "a woman who is" wrote! She took the words out of my mouth!
My wife better not be observant of any kind of man
This post really talked to me, THANK YOU for always encouraging me and being so truely HONSTY
**I see what I want to see through whatever lens I’m using.
Thats just it!
Something similar happened to me 2 days ago..I saw this painting in the railway station..and I told my friend 'WOW that's new'...and he goes, 'thats being there for ages!'.
Keshi.
Hey Nadine. I have moments when I miss things as large as a Walgreens, but I can spot lint on someone's collar from 500 yards away! I think it is all perspective. I loved your thoughts, though.
The girls and I are doing good. We got to talk to Stephen today. That's always a huge boost of positive energy.
I've been thinking a lot more about dying to self and allowing God to use me the way He wants to use me. Not the way I think I should or could be used. I'm becoming more aware that I want to give more, be more available to others. Taking notice of life outside your own is a start.
Your posts always stir me. I find myself writing an essay just in the comment section. Thanks for your gentle reminders.
xo
I hate to admit not as observant as I shuld be. I have realized about myself that I am much more observant if something is missing (i.e. a building is torn down) as opposed to something that is added.
I have caught myself being way too unobservant too...too inward looking (as Art replied). And sometimes just plain busy.
This was great food for thought!
That's an incredible picture!
Some times I'm observant...some times I'm not.
I am probably less observant than you! I had this little stuffed frog sitting over my desk in an office I worked in for over 2 years before I even noticed it was there!
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