Notice

Notice

O LORD, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them? For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow.

THE PARTY WAS in full swing. Our family had the highest bid on the PTA’s silent auction for a classroom pizza party, and today was the big day. On one side of the cafeteria, pizza boxes were stacked high on tables while a few lay open, their cheesy smell wafting through the air. A few steps away, long tables full of squirming second and fourth graders sat waiting their turn for a slice.

As I served up hot slices of pepperoni and sausage to polite students, I saw my husband out of the corner of my eye. He was walking toward a custodian sweeping the floor on the edge of the room. As I moved closer, I heard Tim introduce himself, shake the man’s hand, and offer to get him some pizza.

Dave, the staff member, seemed surprised by the offer but said yes, he’d like some. As Tim made his way back to the tables, my eight-year-old daughter asked what they had talked about. Hearing that Dave would like some pizza, she got up out of her seat to retrieve the slices and hand-deliver them.

As the event ended and Dave came over to the tables to help stack empty pizza boxes, I thanked him again. He simply smiled broadly and returned to his task.

Sometimes we assume that kindness requires lavish gestures or money, but oftentimes all it really requires is noticing. Noticing someone who isn’t in the spotlight. Noticing the person working hard behind the scenes. Noticing the people in our daily life who we walk by, work with, or see in the checkout line. When we choose to notice those around us, we reflect the Father’s notice of us. It is miraculous that despite the vastness of God and his creation, he takes the time to count the hairs on our heads. As God, he sees both the big picture and the minutiae of our existence, and he values it all.

Everyone wants to be seen and known. Let’s not only notice others, but go out of our way to invite them in.

Lord, thank you that you notice and know us. Help us demonstrate your love to others. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Notice someone you cross paths with and thank them for their hard work.