Observant
June 20
Paddling out on the lake recently, I observed an ingenious design for keeping tomato plants attack free, from the local critters. (Especially the deer). This individual set all their tomato plants in pots out on their dock and then covered them with a netted frame. They also had the dock entrance blocked by turning over a, chair.
Thirteen years ago this month, one of our sons was in a horrific accident. It's a miracle he is alive or not paralyzed. Our car, which he was driving, flipped four times and his neck was broken. During surgery a nurse called to ask us if his legs were moving before surgery and informed me they were not moving at that time. We think back on how strange that phone call was and wonder if it was an angel prompting us to pray specifically against paralysis. All the people in that UVA ICU waiting room, family and strangers, stood, circled up and cried out in prayer for God to heal his body. None of us will ever forget that scene. The movement of all his limbs was restored!
When he was moved to our hometown hospital an attorney friend came to visit suggesting we sue the truck driver who ran him off the road. While we chose not to go that route, the initial line of questioning he gave our son stuck with me.
Was he using a cellphone?
Was he putting a CD in the player?
Was he eating?
Then he asked if he could remember the make, color, or license plates of any cars around him, so that they could be contacted as witnesses. I am so NOT observant to that degree while driving. I realized I probably couldn't name one car, truck or motorcycle we had seen on our drive to Charlottesville. For months following the accident, I tried to be more aware of other vehicles on the highway. My observations are probably more keen on how many miles until we reach our destination, where the nearest rest stop is located, and if there are any TJMaxxes or Chick-Fil-A's on our route!
I'd define observant as being keenly aware or quick to notice things. Let's toss that tactic into the spiritual realm of our lives. Do we take the time in day to day life, to observe what God is up to?
Have you ever stood in a store line and looked at the people around you and wondered what is going on in their life at the present time? Do they know the Lord and how to call upon His name for guidance, for comfort, for peace, or to simply feel loved? Is there a word of encouragement God is prompting you to speak over them or do you sense an urge to invite them to church?
May these verses related to observing speak to your heart.
How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart.
Psalm 119:2
You have seen many things, but you do not observe them: Your ears are open, but none hears.
Isaiah 42:20
Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder!
Because I am doing something in your days-You would not believe if you were told.
Habakkuk 1:5
And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow: they do not toil nor do they spin. Matthew 6:28
But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."
Luke 11:28 , they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.
Was he using a cellphone?
Was he putting a CD in the player?
Was he eating?
Then he asked if he could remember the make, color, or license plates of any cars around him, so that they could be contacted as witnesses. I am so NOT observant to that degree while driving. I realized I probably couldn't name one car, truck or motorcycle we had seen on our drive to Charlottesville. For months following the accident, I tried to be more aware of other vehicles on the highway. My observations are probably more keen on how many miles until we reach our destination, where the nearest rest stop is located, and if there are any TJMaxxes or Chick-Fil-A's on our route!
I'd define observant as being keenly aware or quick to notice things. Let's toss that tactic into the spiritual realm of our lives. Do we take the time in day to day life, to observe what God is up to?
Have you ever stood in a store line and looked at the people around you and wondered what is going on in their life at the present time? Do they know the Lord and how to call upon His name for guidance, for comfort, for peace, or to simply feel loved? Is there a word of encouragement God is prompting you to speak over them or do you sense an urge to invite them to church?
May these verses related to observing speak to your heart.
How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, Who seek Him with all their heart.
Psalm 119:2
You have seen many things, but you do not observe them: Your ears are open, but none hears.
Isaiah 42:20
Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder!
Because I am doing something in your days-You would not believe if you were told.
Habakkuk 1:5
And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow: they do not toil nor do they spin. Matthew 6:28
But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."
Luke 11:28 , they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.
