The Spiritual Power of Paying Attention to Small Moments

Modern life can encourage us to measure our successes through accomplishments that are visible. Completed tasks, reached goals, accumulated possessions, goals realized, and milestones. Yet what matters most is not how we move through the day but instead how deeply we inhabit it. Did we notice those we love? Did we notice when someone needed attention? Did we recognize when a friend needed attention? Did we make room in our day for wonder?

Did we allow ourselves time to experience our world instead of managing it?

To participate in our own existence, we must pay attention. We must remember that life is not waiting for something in the future; life is happening right now, as you read this! To slow down and pay attention to the present is to fully recognize the moment. Did we return the smile? Did we hold the door open for the person behind us? Did we recognize a quiet evening at home? Or did we sit in front of the TV all night wondering what we just watched? 

To pay attention is not only about what is before us, but it is an act of presence. Attention encourages us to put aside tomorrow's list of things you hope to accomplish and focus instead on what matters now. When we give something our full attention, we communicate that it is important to us.  And that people are important too.

In His hands we live…shalom—shalom!        

Kristin