Observing Life.

Published in The Grip.

“Let us be still so we may hear the whispers of God.” These words are written across a wooden plaque resting in my sunroom, and I see them daily. Yet, still I can forget to heed them. I knew this very article was already past due, but I continued to stare at a blank screen. It's a discouraging feeling – to be uninspired. And, this is exactly what happens to me when I fail to be still. When I fail to slow down. To notice. To watch, carefully, life happen around me. Instead, I can find myself waking up with the sole intent of just making the day happen….instead of noticing the day.

I become a participator in life more than an observer. Participating is necessary. But we don't participate well when we don't take the time to observe well. When I'm an observer, I am living in the now moments. I am careful how I respond to those around me. I am careful with my tone. I am careful to notice my eight year old's hands as she scoops the horse feed into the buckets and then careful to watch her walk across the field to be a source of love for those large animals. I am careful to notice my husband's face and see that he needs my encouragement. I am careful to notice the single mother in the store who can't pay for all of her food she struggled to place on the counter while holding her squirmy two-year old. I'm careful to notice how big the sky is and to try to wrap my head around the fact that the Creator of it all actually thinks about me.

I am careful to observe life. To notice it. To be thankful for it. And, to participate well in it. Because, I'm still. I still my thoughts. I still my body. And, I hear His whispers in the midst of all that is going on around me. I see Him in the big things and in the small things. And, so, I'm inspired. Inspired to love the way He loves. Inspired to capture and remember the small moments. Inspired to pen words to the emotions flooding my soul.

When is the last time you noticed life? When is the last time you observed more than you participated? You don't have to look for God in the obscure places. He's everywhere and in everything. In the young hands of that eight-year old. In the face of your spouse. In the struggling arms of that single mother. Above you. Below you. Within you. And when you stop to observe….

When you become still….

You will hear His whispers.

And, you will see His face.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

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