It All Starts with Seeing
We’ve surprised ourselves at how morning worship has become part of our daily rhythm. We are sloooow to commit to scheduled expectations. But this is different. Because worship isn’t a task to check off. It’s the deep longing of our hearts. And when we carve out space for it, it will leave us wanting more. And it has.
As we open our minds and hearts to be more like Jesus, we start today memorizing and embracing the truth in Philippians 2.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Don’t look out for only your own interests, but take an interest in others too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
Instead he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminals death on a cross.
This scripture transforms our look-out-for-number-one, take-care-of-yourself-first, children-are-the-center-of-our-world kind of culture. I desire for my children to know the Father and to have the same attitude as Jesus. This very goal directs the choices we make as a family, and shapes the way we see the world. But my children are still children. They pass by messes without cleaning them up. They hear the cry of a sibling and won’t always jump up to see if they are okay. They watch me work circles around them, without asking how they can help. They step over their own shoes in the middle of the floor. They play in the great outdoors without noticing just how beautiful the sky looks. Our children very much participate in the upkeep of our home, and in the chores that come with our simple farm. In fact, they work harder than most children I know. But not without prodding and reminding and encouraging…and sometimes the evil mom eye.
It’s not willingness they lack. It’s initiative and the ability to see, really see, what’s happening around them.
So Mark and I are making greater efforts to train their eyes. We are continually pointing out the wonderful, the broken, the sad, the joyful, the beautiful, the divine, the creative, the complex, the necessary, the unnecessary. This takes slowing down and noticing for ourselves. It takes taking the time to share what we’re recognizing around us, what we’re thinking inside of us. It takes picking up our phone less. It takes longer explanations, instead of short answers. It takes turning their screens off so they can actually look around.
It takes a willingness to invite our children to see with us.
If you are able to focus the eyes of your children on God’s active and creative world happening all around them, you will give them an education so rich, so life giving. For this is the beginning of appreciating God’s creation, and valuing His people. It’s the beginning of recognizing needs and noticing little miracles. It’s the beginning of feeling broken for what’s unjust, and hopeful for what is hurting. It’s the beginning of humility, of servanthood. It’s the beginning of being vulnerable, the willingness to be shaped by others. It’s the beginning of surrender, the trusting of your life to a God who cares.
It’s the beginning of having the attitude of Christ Jesus.
And it all starts with seeing, the ability to notice what is happening around you so you can participate, transform, encourage, sympathize, heal, serve, pick up, appreciate — whatever the faithful response might be.
Here are some of the observations I spoke out loud to my children as we’ve gone about our normal lately:
Wasn’t it kind of that woman to look us in the eye when she checked us out at Target?
Look at that tree. Isn’t it wonderful that we can see it now that Dad has cleared the vines and weeds that were growing all around it?
Look at how fabulous the clouds are today! The way they’re suspended in the air like we’ve colored them into the sky.
Don’t the cats look healthy and happy? Their fur is beautiful and clean, their bellies are round and isn’t it cool how every time we step outside they greet and follow us with such loyalty?
Did you notice how that man wasn’t very friendly to us? How did it make you feel? I wonder what is going on in his life that is causing him such sadness?
Have you noticed the sunsets lately? They’re brighter, more colorful, more intense. I remember that from last Fall. I think Fall sunsets are my favorite.
Wasn’t that nice of your sister to share her candy? You struggle with generosity, but doesn’t it make you feel good when you receive from others? You have opportunities to give others that same feeling.
Isn’t Dad a hard worker? Do you know that the way he teaches you and includes you in his work is rather unique? Not all dads do that.
It’s okay to let your brother go first. When you let others go before you, you are being kind and selfless…just like Jesus. And remember how we’re trying to be more like him?
When you are caring for our animals, you are caring for God’s creation. And he recognizes it.
Isn’t it wonderful how God created the trees to color our world this time of year? Which ones are your favorite?
When you speak negatively about your very acceptable test grade, how do you think it makes your brother feel when his grade was so much lower?
Isn’t it special we have Tuesday’s together? We love those big kids, but have you noticed that it gives us more time to talk about things you’re interested it? And how it’s quieter? And how you play differently when it’s just you two?
I think those words you just spoke hurt your brothers feelings. Why don’t you go talk to him?
Have you noticed how the candy has made you feel yucky? And cranky? I like to remember those feelings the next time I want something sugary.
Isn’t it generous of Papa and Gigi to pay for our meals whenever we eat out with them? They love to bless people that way. Always show them your gratitude.
Isn’t it amazing how Myles learns things so quickly? It’s easy to get jealous of people like that…but I want us to be a family who celebrates in people’s gifts and talents because in doing so we give glory to God, the One who created those gifts.
What are you noticing in and around your home? How can you invite your children to see alongside of you? To help them step outside of themselves in order to see others first?
