Attention
Conveying appropriate interest, concern and care; taking notice of others and making an effort to enter into their respective worlds I Corinthians 12:25
Jesus left the Father to enter our world. Philippians 2:6-8
Why is it that sometimes it’s easier to pay attention to every relationship, except the ones that matter the most? Maybe you find it easy to attend when it comes to your co-workers, your boss, your neighbor, your other friends. But what about your spouse? How about your kids? Let’s take a few minutes to focus on paying attention to those who are part of our most vital relationships.
A Worthy Goal:
Don’t stop investing wisely into your marriage until your children and friends envy your relationship and want one like it.
Be intentional about setting aside a few minutes this week or planning a date night to discuss Attention together
Husband, would you lead this time by reviewing the statements to be completed or questions being asked so that you know how to make the most of your time? When you are ready, please initiate a “LOVE (Speak)” time with your wife.
LOVE (Speak) —
- What conditions are necessary to make you feel that your spouse is being attentive to you and your needs?
- What are the situations/times when you feel you have the greatest need for attention?
- What are the situations/times when you find it the hardest to meet your spouse’s need for attention?
- If the two answers above conflict with each other, discuss some ways to work through that disconnect.
- Complete the following sentence: I know you are really paying attention to me when ___________.
What About the Kids? Ask the kids these questions or discuss them as adults revealing what you have observed in your child(ren).
Could it be that your children have positive or negative ways that they “ask” for attention from you? What might some of those be? (Positive examples: they ask you to play, ask you to look at a picture they drew, ask you to go with them somewhere, ask you to come to the game, recital, event, etc. Negative examples: they’re whining, argumentative, acting out, etc.)
Perhaps it would be a good idea to be preemptive by finding ways to enter your child’s/teen’s world before they have to “ask” for your attention. You may need help from your spouse to determine the best ways to enter your child’s world.