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I really enjoyed writing yesterday’s blog on Jim and his Father’s car business. When I drafted it several days in advance of publication, I sent it to Jim to make sure I had the details right. He responded: “Bob, I’m absolutely amazed! I can’t believe you remembered my exact words.” He’s being kind…it probably wasn’t his exact words (remember, I’m a mathematician!), but it was close. And the reason for that is, I was paying attention.

I used to tell a story illustrating how to learn good interpersonal skills by watching other people, especially if some of those behaviors don’t come naturally. Here’s the story: when I was a young captain, I watched a colonel on the phone with a secretary not slam the phone down as soon as the conversation was over. Rather, he held it out, listened for her to hang up, and then he hung up. I wouldn’t have thought of that in two lifetimes! When I shared the story with a group of missionaries in a training development course I was teaching, one asked, “How did you notice that?” My paying attention made more of an impression on her than the actual story.

Paying attention shouldn’t be that unusual, but I suppose it is. Go through the Gospels and see how many times you see the phrase, “As Jesus passed by he saw…” (Example, John 9.1.) When I wrote about the locusts, I encouraged us to be alert for lessons in all kinds of places. Also, if we’re paying attention, we might have an opportunity to help someone (e.g, Joseph in prison).

When David was hiding from Saul in a cave he wrote:

Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. (Psalm 142.4)

Let’s be among the people who pay attention!