With the first day of school in less than two weeks I will be repeating today's title frequently. After just the first week students begin to have problems focusing on what is being presented. Their family interactions, dating activities and extracurricular involvements fill their thoughts. As a teacher I must be sensitive to the events that are meaningful to them and attempt to connect the learning experience to real life.
This is really true of all relationships. Every one of us bring into each day all kinds of cares and concerns. While it may be true that we should be paying attention to our boss, our spouse, our kids and a host of other people, we are actually screaming inside for someone to pay attention to our needs. When we try to share with someone and they seem to look beyond us preoccupied with their own thoughts, we are thinking, "I wish they would pay attention."
With that in mind we need to cultivate the art of paying attention to others. Attentiveness involves noticing facial expressions, words, and the tone of voice as well as moods in the people around us. Our discussion and actions should then be adjusted to minister to the needs we sense. As we begin paying attention others will pay attention to us as well and the lines of communication will be open and flowing. Be alert, pay attention and the doors of ministry will be opened.
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