I sometimes feel as if I could perform a successful circus act. I can text a friend while cooking dinner, making my grocery list, and sorting through the endless stack of papers that makes its way to the kitchen countertop. If I could just learn how to do it all while walking a tightrope, we’re talking circus potential.
Then a little one needs me or my husband gets home from work and I have choice. I can do what comes natural, giving them a twelfth of my attention while keeping my eyes locked on the boiling pasta. Or I can stop. I can put everything down, look them in the eyes, and listen with an undivided heart.
The juggling wild-woman doesn’t slow down because she wants to keep up the pace. But the tasks can wait. The stack of papers (unfortunately) won’t go anywhere. And the pot can be set to the side. I want to see the eyes of those who make their way into my now.
I think Jesus looked people in the eyes. I bet He laid his carpenter tools down and engaged the fleeting moment, looking at and listening to the soul of the one right in front of Him.
Today I’m asking for His vision.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,
in honor giving preference to one another;
Romans 12:9-10
Fill me, Lord…
How do you (or could you) remain purposeful to look at and truly listen to the person in front of you?
Lara, I just *love* you! You are a woman after my own heart. I really needed this today. Lately, I’ve been struggling with trying to keep all my balls in the air. It. Just. Ain’t. Working. I’ve got to become more purposeful in slowing down and being present in every moment. Thanks for this reminder!
I just love you too, Hope. The juggling act doesn’t work, does it. Praying we would remain purposeful today, filled with His Spirit and faithful to His promptings. {hugs}
Thanks … I needed that Lara. As someone who tends to be a little OCD, I need to work at not being locked into my “stuff” and shift my attention to what is really important (like my wife’s question or her desire to share something … anything). The “stuff” will always be there. Those special moments with her may not.
So true, Chuck. Blessings to you in the choosing. 🙂
What a thought: “I think Jesus looked people in the eyes.” I imagine whomever He was speaking to felt as thought they were the only person in the world ~ at least to Him in the moment. When talking with people, I strive to keep eye contact, poise a posture which is welcoming and nod and verbally engage to let them know I am paying attention. I ESPECIALLY WANT MY FAMILY TO KNOW THEY ARE MY PRIORITY, not the computer, the notepad, the book… Them! It’s been more challenging than I ever imagined, but it is doable.
Great post, today!
Thanks, Stefanie. I want that too. Praying we have eyes to see today. (BTW, can’t wait to meet you in a few weeks at Relevant!)
I loved the adrenaline rush, and confidence boost of all that juggling when my children were young. It took a loss of a career and health for me to learn this lesson–which I’m still learning. Thanks, Lara!! It helps me validate the choices I made just yesterday even though my to do list and my housework don’t show it:))
I know what you mean about the to-do list not showing it. Trusting that our choices to engage those in front of us will have more of an impact than our finishing the to-dos.