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The Attentive Life... in a rush?


I've been reading The Attentive Life -- it's our September Bagels & Books selection that I am responsible for facilitating the discussion. It's ironic that I've had to crunch in a chapter here and there - among all the other things in my life. Feeling pressure to finish the book yet knowing that I can't be attentive in a rush.


There is much to be considered, learned, and mostly savored in this book. Today, I am thinking of two things....


1 What does it mean for me to be still and still moving?


2 To see tears as a gift. So when tears come, instead of avoiding them I am trying to pay attention, to pause and ask: What makes these tears come?



Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

The author (Leighton Ford) encourages us to sit with this verse. To repeat it over and over, leaving off a word or phrase each time. Spending a minute or two on each phrase. Write down impressions and thoughts that come to your mind and heart.


Be still and know that I am God.


Be still and know that I am...


Be still and know...


Be still...


Be...


May our hearts be penetrated by these words today. As we slow down and pay attention God can break through the many layers of distraction and self-protection... so that we can hear his word and be poised to listen.



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  1. Unknown4/9/09 9:06 AM

    As I read this this morning I am hoping that I can just be. I have three children under 5 around me and although they are rarely still, they often just be and they do know! Amazing how much I can learn from just actually taking the time to be still and watch them!

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