Being Aware: A Skill That Requires Attention

I find it real easy to mindlessly go through the motions. Maybe most articles don’t start off with a confession, but I think it’s appropriate for this one. It seems to be my nature to stay busy with the day-to-day checklist to the point that I am in my own little world. This approach may lead to a sense of individual pride and accomplishment, but what about everyone else? What about other things that I can help with? What about making time for things that may not exactly fit into my schedule? This all requires the skill of awareness.

Awareness is when you slow down to listen or realize what else is going on in someone else’s life or even in the world around you. Do you really feel for the people of Japan right now or is that just something else in the news? Do you know who’s sick, hurting or missing in the church or is it enough just to keep up with your own family? Do you know what or who to pray for or does that seem like too much to keep up with?

Awareness makes a difference. It’s the first step toward positive and unselfish actions. There used to be a time when people got together for meals, called each other on the phone, wrote cards and notes to each other, talked about life’s up and downs, and spent quality time with one another. Are you willing to do those things again or to make that change?

The Bible says in Philippians 2:2-4 “ then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This is the model for us to live by in our lives and especially in the church. Let’s be people of God who are more aware of people, places and things outside of ourselves. If we do this, the blessings will surely follow.
— Love, Rob