Have you ever felt like life’s busyness has stolen your ability to truly pay attention to what matters? I’ve been there. Let me share a story that changed how I see the importance of slowing down and noticing the small, meaningful moments in life.
The Day Busyness Took Over
It was a hectic holiday season. My family had volunteered to host a neighborhood outreach event. Between errands, last-minute phone calls, and coordinating logistics, the day flew by in a blur.
By the time guests arrived, I was utterly exhausted but determined to make everything run smoothly. I was rushing from one task to another, greeting people and fixing minor issues.
Then my youngest son tugged at my sleeve. “Mom, I need you for a second,” he said softly. I glanced at him but waved him off.
“Not now, sweetheart. There’s too much going on,” I replied. He walked away, his little shoulders slumping. That image has stuck with me ever since.
The night ended successfully, yet I couldn’t shake the guilt. My son needed me. But I had missed it because I was caught up in what felt urgent at the moment. Busyness had robbed me of what truly mattered.
When Busyness Becomes a Thief
Looking back, that moment mirrored my lifestyle—rushed, distracted, and focused on tasks rather than people. It wasn’t just my family I overlooked. I realized I was missing God’s quiet invitations, too.
Does this sound familiar to you? It’s easy to let the demands of life drown out the moments when God is trying to get our attention. Maybe it’s through a nudge in your spirit, an answered prayer, or even a challenge.
But here’s the truth: we can’t hear Him if we’re always rushing. God’s voice often whispers rather than shouts. If we’re too busy, we’ll miss it. Let’s explore how we can reclaim the practice of paying attention and why it’s so vital.
Moses and the Burning Bush: A Lesson in Paying Attention
Moses’ life in Exodus 3 provides a powerful example. He was living in solitude, tending sheep in the wilderness. It was in that quiet and stillness that he noticed something extraordinary—a bush that burned but wasn’t consumed.
Instead of ignoring it, Moses did something remarkable. He stopped. He turned aside. He paid attention. That moment became a turning point in his life because he chose to notice.
God used that burning bush to speak to Moses, giving him a divine mission. Imagine if Moses had been too distracted to stop! How often do we miss our own “burning bushes” because we’re too caught up in the noise of daily life?
Why Paying Attention Matters
We live in a world that glorifies busyness. From endless to-do lists to the constant ping of notifications, we’re conditioned to stay busy. But busyness comes at a cost:
- It robs us of meaningful connections.
- It dulls our awareness of God’s presence.
- It leaves us feeling empty and overwhelmed.
Here’s the truth: God is always speaking. The question is whether we’re willing to listen. But how do we cultivate that willingness? How do we break free from the grip of busyness?
Let’s dive into some practical steps.
How to Create Space for God
1. Prioritize Quiet Time
Life’s noise makes it hard to hear God. That’s why quiet time is essential. Here’s how you can start:
- Set aside a specific time each day. It could be early morning or right before bed—whatever works best for you.
- Turn off distractions. Put your phone on silent, and find a peaceful spot.
- Start small. Even five minutes of silence can make a difference.
When you make quiet time a habit, you create space for God’s voice to cut through the noise.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness isn’t just a trendy buzzword. It’s about being fully present in the moment. Here’s how it helps you pay attention:
- Focus on your surroundings. Notice the beauty of nature, the laughter of a child, or the warmth of the sun.
- Be intentional. Instead of rushing through tasks, slow down and savor them.
- Acknowledge God’s presence. Remind yourself that He is with you in every moment.
Mindfulness trains your heart and mind to be attuned to God’s whispers.
3. Look for Your Burning Bush
God uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary. But you’ll only see it if you’re paying attention. Here’s how to recognize your “burning bushes”:
- Be curious. Like Moses, turn aside when something catches your attention.
- Ask God for discernment. Pray for eyes to see and ears to hear.
- Celebrate the small things. Sometimes, the most profound moments are the simplest ones.
When you look for God’s hand in your daily life, you’ll be amazed at what you discover.
The Benefits of Paying Attention
When you choose to slow down and notice, your life transforms. Here’s what happens:
1. You Strengthen Your Relationship with God
Paying attention deepens your spiritual connection. You’ll start to hear God’s voice more clearly, guiding you in ways you never imagined.
2. You Build Deeper Relationships
When you’re fully present with others, you create space for meaningful connections. Your relationships become richer and more fulfilling.
3. You Find Inner Peace
Slowing down helps you let go of stress and anxiety. You’ll feel more grounded, centered, and at peace.
Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Turn Aside?
The burning bushes are there, waiting for you to notice. Will you choose to turn aside and see?
Learning to pay attention isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It’s a practice that will enrich your faith, your relationships, and your life.
So, start today. Create space for quiet. Be mindful. Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. And remember: God is always speaking. You just need to stop and listen.