Take Notice

I really enjoy when God speaks a word to me and I hear it. I'm beginning to understand that when those revelations or random thoughts of clarity happen, it's often a word from the Lord.

The words I hear today on my drive to pick up Arthur from school were, Take Notice.

Take notice. Of what?

The sky was beautiful. The clouds were the kind of clouds that are all level and flat on the bottom and puffy on top. In between clouds was that gorgeous blue that just speaks of spring. And then you add the country scene and I could go on. But as I was thinking these things about the sky those words came to the surface. Take Notice. 

(This was actually a picture of clouds from yesterday. I believe this idea of noticing began with these clouds, which this picture does not do justice.)

God was telling me to take notice of His beautiful masterpiece. 

But then I thought of people, and the book Harriet the Spy came to mind. This was my favorite novel in fifth grade, but in case you don't know it, here's the gist: Harriet is a writer and an observer. She takes it upon herself to observe everything and everyone-- including all of her friends. She writes down everything she observes her friends doing, things about their appearance, etc. 

I believe the take away from that memory is how Harriet takes notice of everything she sees. Obviously, I do not think spying, being critical and judgmental with our observations like Harriet was  the word to remember. However, I do think that we as people need to come out of our own self focus and take notice of the people around us. I've been hearing lately from different sources how important emotional intelligence is. The ability to see other people and read their emotions and body language, and to use our knowledge of emotions to guide our actions. We will make better connections with people if we respond to them in a way that shows we are taking notice of how they are feeling. I know that I am constantly re-learning this with my children. I need to take notice of how they react to things and how I respond to their emotions as well. Taking notice of their emotions allows me to reconsider if my actions are necessary or selfish.

Thoughts are funny, bumpy, skipping things. My drive to school bounced from the words take notice to Harriet the Spy, to coming outside of ourselves to notice people, and having emotional intelligence to guide our connections. 

This word was for me today because I am quick to be aware of myself, and slow to notice those around me. I'm usually just wrapped up in my task, narrow focused and wanting to finish with my little bunch of kids before something goes awry. 

But God didn't call me to be self focused. 

I did a search for the word notice in the bible, and here are a couple examples of what I found:

"God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them." Exodus 2:25

"Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, 'why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?'" Ruth 2:10

Many of the verses I found spoke of God taking notice of us. God notices me. God notices you. That means he's paying attention. He's listening, seeing, and responding. 

But I believe he's not just taking notice of us, but calling us to grow our awareness and notice his creation. His beautiful painted natural world and His people created in His own image. If I am worthy of His notice, the people I encounter, and the people of this world are worthy also.

So my new challenge for myself is to notice my surroundings, the people I encounter, and make deeper connections.

There's a little humor in this being my lesson for the day because my wonderful husband has a blog called The Interest of Others. I mean, just the name of his blog shows that he is already on this path. Sometimes things are reoccurring lessons and apparently I need further instruction! My husband is an inspiration. You can follow his blog at www.theinterestofothers.blogspot.com and on Twitter @Mister_Coe for inspiration and updates.

Thanks for reading! Visualize beautiful 💜💜💜

Beautiful Control

Sometimes we are reminded that we are in control of nothing.

This past week all three of my babies have been sick. With the Flu. Fevers, throwing up, lethargy, and lots and lots of TV. 

When there is sickness, nothing else is important but taking care of and nurturing the people you care most about. So the dishes pile up, the laundry becomes a mountain, and snuggles abound. 

For the past two days my littlest has been unhappy unless he is being held and snuggled... by me. It's been a transition for me. A transition of priorities. A reminder of the most important gifts in my life.

And it's been a reminder that I have no control.... but there is One who loves me, and loves my kids, who does have control. And when we surrender things to His hands, His control is beautiful.

The past few days I've witnessed my oldest progressing a very scary sounding cough, my middle very lethargic and sad, and my baby growing more and more listless and unresponsive. 

Sure we can do things that might help one thing or another. We've been diffusing essential oils, using a humidifier in their bedroom, and some other things to aid in comfort. But ultimately their life and health is not in my hands. It's in the hands of my Lord, Jesus Christ. 

It's easy to be terrified. It's easy to submit to fear and uncertainty. It is hard to let go and give the situation--and my babies-- to the Lord. 

But the growth of trust and surrender becomes easier when we admit our lack of control. A peace and calming envelopes over us when we submit our fears to the God above.

I'm writing this while holding my sleeping baby hooked up to an IV in the ER. This has not been easy. And I am in awe of people who have chronically sick children. But I have had peace here in this little room. God has met me here. 

As my son kept crying out, I began to hum. My hum turned into a recognizable tune, and as I began to sing it quietly I realized how true the words are, and His peace washed over me.

Our God is an awesome God

He reigns from heaven above

With wisdom, power and love, 

Our God is an awesome God.

Just those simple words... God's wisdom. His Power. And His love. 

That is all I need to focus on to know that my baby is in good hands. 

What a glorious set of truths. What Beautiful Control.