The Art of Noticing
OPENING PRAYER:
Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see beyond the surface, to notice the souls around us as Jesus did. Guide us to be present and attentive, reflecting Your love in our interactions.
"When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, 'Do you want to get well?'"
REFLECT:
In the bustling city of Jerusalem, amidst the noise and the crowd, Jesus noticed a man who had been overlooked for 38 years. The pool of Bethesda was a place of desperation, where the sick and disabled gathered, hoping for a miracle. Yet, in this sea of need, Jesus saw an individual. Pastor Carter’s message reminded us of the power of noticing, as illustrated by the story of Bill Bequette, who saw beyond the label of "addict" and recognized Nate as a person with a story worth hearing.
Noticing is more than seeing; it is an intentional act of love. It requires us to pause and look beyond the labels society assigns. Jesus didn’t just see a man; He saw his pain, his isolation, and his longing for healing. This act of noticing was the first step in transforming the man's life. Similarly, when we take the time to truly see those around us, we open the door for God’s healing work to begin.
In his message, Todd challenges us to move from being taxonomists, who categorize and label, to biographers, who seek to understand the stories behind the faces we encounter. This shift in perspective can transform our relationships and our communities. By noticing others, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who always saw the person behind the problem.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will discover someone's story this week by noticing, listening, or asking them a question. It could be a colleague, a neighbor, or even a family member. Take a moment to engage with them, offering your full attention and a listening ear.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the example of Jesus, who noticed the unnoticed. Help us to see others through Your eyes, to be present and attentive, and to reflect Your love in our interactions. Amen.