Lessons from Little People: Paying Attention
Kids notice everything.
Sometimes this can be problematic. Yesterday, for instance, my four-year-old was horrified by some imperfection in a stranger’s complexion at the grocery store. “Mama, what was that THING on that man’s face?” And of course, the man with the thing on this face was still well within earshot.
But my kids’ keen observation skills also serve a good, non-embarrassing purpose. They remind me to pay attention.
Their ears perk up at the distant train whistle that I’ve learned not to hear. Their eyes brighten at the wide-open blossom that yesterday was just a bud. Their attention catches on the teeniest bug on a blade of grass. Everyday wonders pique their curiosity and ignite their imagination. They want to know where the train tracks go, and what makes the flowers open, and where the bugs sleep.
My husband once said something that I would have said if I had thought of it first: “The strength of your testimony depends on whether you’re paying attention.”
In other words, the more you notice the details of your own story, the better the story you will tell. Or in even more other words, when you are keenly aware of God’s work in your life, it will be difficult to keep Him out of the retelling of it.
The little people can help to re-sharpen our senses. And we, in turn, can delight ourselves in giving their curiosity some guidance. We can encourage them to enjoy the Maker’s mystery in the secretive bends of the train tracks. We can show them His goodness through his turning of seasons. We can help them to understand how He cares for the tiniest of creatures.
Because our kids are telling a story too. And we get to help them form their first sentences.
“May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.” – Psalm 90:16
- Dear Daughter: On Outrage and its Remedy - June 20, 2022
- Rodents, Romans, and Chiaroscuro:Why We Love The Tale of Despereaux - August 28, 2019
- Rodents, Romans, and Chiaroscuro:Why We Love The Tale of Despereaux - November 15, 2017
Alyssa – thanks for these words this morning: “…when you are keenly aware of God’s work in your life, it will be difficult to keep Him out of the retelling of it.”
Kristen, I’m glad you found some encouragement in there. Thanks for reading!
Kristen, I’m glad you found some encouragement in there. Thanks for reading!
Thanks, Alyssa! Loved the story and loved the quote!
Thanks, Beverly. I’m not sure if you’re referring to the first quote or the second, but they’re both awesome. In very different ways.
Well said. It is amazing how tuned in to the small things they can be… and shouldn’t we all be that tuned into Jesus. Thanks for writing this!
Thank you! And yes, when you start looking for Him, He’s impossible to miss. The perceptiveness of kids really is a gift.
Oh, I love this! So much!
Thank you, my friend.
Loved this post. I’m so thankful to be helping form those first sentences in my children’s stories. Thank you for reminding me to share in their joy and excitement over the “little things” that perhaps aren’t so little after all.
Wonderful, Alyssa. I know I’m a “homer,” but really, wonderful stuff.
This is my favorite gift that my children have given me. Beautifully done, Alyssa!