WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PAY A LITTLE ATTENTION

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU PAY A LITTLE ATTENTION
Wednesday, September 11, 2019 by TRINA BESSER MATOUS

PLEASE WELCOME

TRINA BESSER MATOUS

DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY

Last winter, as I drove along the fairly large lake I live near, I kept a keen eye out for a large bird. When I was growing up, this bird would have been a very unusual sight. Today it is becoming more and more common. As I looked out on the ice extending far out into the lake I spotted what I was looking for – a bald eagle. I quickly pulled over, pulled out my binoculars, and took a closer look. I was even more excited to see two eagles: an adult and a juvenile.

As cars drove past, with drivers focused on their destinations, I thought about how many people were missing a spectacular sight – bald eagles in our own backyard. I saw these eagles only because I was looking for them. I could easily have been one of the drivers in the many cars passing by who did not even realize there was a stunning sight on the lake.

What Do We Miss?

God is at work all around us. Yet if we are not paying attention, we can miss what he is doing. Western culture is very task-oriented. We are taught from a young age to buckle down and get the work done. In its place, buckling down is good quality. Taken too far, however, a laser focus on the task at hand means we miss what is going on around us.

Years ago, a new neighbor walked past with her toddler in tow. My neighbor said they were on their way to the ice cream store and asked if I would like to join them. I politely declined, stating I had things to get done in the house. I completed my task outside and went back into what I was going – dishes. I completely missed the opportunity to get to know my neighbor because I was so focused on finishing something that could easily have waited an hour or two.

Learning to cultivate awareness can have tremendous benefits as we begin to see things in plain sight we have previously missed. As we gain greater awareness, God may choose to bless us with a gorgeous sunset. He may point out a friend who needs a word of encouragement. Perhaps He’ll give you the opportunity to speak truth into an unbeliever’s life. And just maybe a majestic bald eagle will soar across the water.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR’S BOOK SERIES

The Christian Living Bible Study Series is designed to assist readers in their relationship with God, help them understand difficult passages, shed new light on familiar verses, and gain an appreciation for statements made within the confines of ancient cultural practices. Through these books, readers not only learn about the life and work of Jesus Christ, but also personally experience the love, grace, mercy, and redemption offered by the Father through the sacrifice of His Son. Learning more about the history and purpose of each verse will enable readers to grow in wisdom and knowledge.

ABOUT TRINA BESSER MATOUS

Trina has a Masters of Arts in Christian Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary and is a passionate Bible teacher and writer. For over 20 years, she has shared Biblical truths in compelling and memorable ways as a Bible study leader and a member of the Restorative Prayer Team at her church. Her trip through Turkey visiting historic sites including Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Haran, and Antioch, as well as two trips to Israel’s holy sites bring reality to Trina’s teaching and writing. Additionally, Trina is an avid birder, loves to cook, travel, work in her garden, and knit.