Reflect
Attention is a sign of love. When we pay attention to someone, or something, we are placing value on it, on them. We are saying—this matters. And when we don’t, it becomes very clear—what doesn’t. For instance, my wife can show me a weed that needs digging up, and point out very carefully the flowers that needs protecting, pointing out with much care differences in leaf and vine and buds, so I will know which one to pull and which to leave alone. But inevitably, my efforts will result in a tearful cry: Not that one! My plant blindness has been a source of many tears and much regret. So, why haven’t I learned? Why haven’t I changed? Despite my sincere love for my wife, and how much her garden means to her, why do I still forget so quickly; if I really love her, why don’t I pay attention?
Pray
Heavenly Father,
You, who know each hair on my head,
You, who number each grain of sand,
You, who care for each sparrow that falls,
there is nothing that escapes Your attention
because You are Love itself.
Open my eyes, Lord, let me see
Your creation with eyes of wonder,
give me a mind of attention,
that rests in the sacredness of everything
because it is Yours and because it is beloved by You.
St. Francis, pray for me.
Act
Spend some time today being intentional about your attention. Notice a smile, or a new hair style, notice the way the sunlight dances on the leaves of a tree or glitters in the weeds and the wildflowers. Notice someone, or something; literally stop whatever you are doing and let them (and yourself) be blessed by the gift of attention. It’s not too late, and (as my teacher used to say) none of us is too poor, to pay attention.
