My cat Rocky laying right in front of the computer monitor, my youngest doing hand stands during commercials when we watch TV, the high school crossing guard waving his flourescent orange wands at me to stop, the ding of my phone notifying me I have a text message, my boss as he gives me a task at work – all want my attention. For the moment, it’s as if each of them is saying “Hey! Look at me, front and center here.” We all need attention, some more than others.
God revealed to me (and it’s not the first time) ever so lovingly but firmly that I tend to seek too much attention for myself or be concerned that other people think well of me. Facebook is one thing that makes this difficult. It’s a treasure trove of attention: people responding to things I say, to pictures I post, to jokes and videos I share. People commenting about me or my life, interacting with me, giving me virtual pats on the back. Even my blog brings me attention in a round about way.
When God showed me an ugly, childish attitude that was bubbling up this morning I was embarrassed and frustrated and it comes from being too preoccupied with myself. Continue reading
Or think of yourself wearing black clothes in a moderately dark room. You could be covered in lint and “fuzzies” but none really show because of your dim surroundings. Walk into a bright spotlight, like the ones they use in a play, and suddenly every little speck, hair or particle is visible to everyone. Flaws and smudges you didn’t even realize were there are suddenly glaringly obvious.
Along the Narrow Path 