Attention: Conveying appropriate interest, concern, and care; taking notice of others and making an effort to enter into their respective worlds. (1 Corinthians 12:25 NASB)
Every time I sit down to write about this need for attention the first thing that comes to mind is a visual of a person with their heart as an open wound crying out, “I am here!” Maybe because that visual was actually me at one time. I am thankful to my Lord Jesus for healing that wound, but my heart still feels the ache, especially when I see others display this open wound for attention. Is this you, friend? Do you know someone? Will you take a minute to lift that person up in prayer. If that person is you, would you allow the Lord to speak His comfort into your wound?
I have a sweet someone in my life that is walking around with that open wound herself. It breaks my heart because I know her pain, and I also know the lies she believes about herself. She feels unlovable because a parent abandoned her when she was young. A child cannot process with an adult mind, (being able to understand that he/she did nothing to deserve this) when a parent doesn’t offer love or attention.
Parents’ attention is so important to children. Your child needs to know that he/she matters to you. When you enter into their world, (play with them, show interest in what they enjoy) this shows him/her that you truly are interested in who they are as a person.
Have you noticed? Adults need attention, as well. If your loved ones, (family, friends, spouse, adult children) don’t communicate with you, take time for you and let you know that they care about you, wouldn’t you begin to feel that you are unloved by him/her?
This is especially true for our elders. I remember the last Thanksgiving we had my dad here on earth. He flew in to be with us. After dinner my family sat in the living room, TV on and every single one of us had our heads buried in our phone….except my dad. He sat watching TV while the rest of us completely ignored one another, as we scrolled through our phones. I regret this so much now, not knowing my dad would pass not even two months later, but at the time I noticed what we were all doing and just thought, “Ah…it’s OK!”
Would you list the top five things that take your time? Are these the priorities you want to keep for the rest of your life or do changes need to happen?
- Jesus lives life and has no regrets because His priorities were as they should have been. Do you know that you are one of His top priorities?
- What do you see as God’s priorities for you and me? Would these five verses help us know beyond a doubt? (Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 28:19-20). Any other suggestions?
- If you dare, ask a spouse, other relative or friend what they see as your top priorities. They could ask themselves as they consider yours… ” What do you pay closest attention to?”