Mindfulness

The word mindful seems to be frequently used these days. That’s probably a good thing. Life can be very busy and often we seem to be going through our days on autopilot without being aware of many details. As a result, most of us are missing out on good things, significant things. 

This week I was noticing a beautiful flower market as I was walking through a piazza in Rome, Italy. The presence of such a display indicates something about a culture. It made me contemplate why God created such lovely plants. He obviously values their beauty and wants us to notice it also. His creativity is on display in the intricacy and vivid colors of flowers. 

I’ve also learned a valuable lesson as I’ve entered many churches and buildings in Rome: Look Up! One of the first days here my husband asked me what I thought of the ceiling in the Pantheon which I had just walked through. I hesitantly admitted I hadn’t seen it. He laughed out loud and responded, “When in Rome, Lauri, you need to look up.” He is certainly correct, and that seems like good advice in many instances of life. We walk around and miss so many things because we aren’t mindful of where we are or what’s going on around us. 

One of the biggest aspects of our being mindful relates to other people. We can be oblivious to precious moments passing with those we love that we can never get back. I’ve enjoyed recent YouTube videos that are about giving the moments of our daily lives more importance. It resonates with me that often we save our best for guests or “special occasions” when truly, who is more important than our family? I appreciate those who have encouraged a focus on creating a pleasant environment, using the good dishes, making the effort…for the people in our life every day. 

Back in January of this year I was joining in a focused time of prayer at church. Each day we were led to pray for specific areas and also in specific ways. It was a powerful time and I realized anew the value of taking time to pause, and focus. It resulted in an awareness and investment in the needs of others. I felt a connectedness with those I was lifting in prayer in a special way. 

To help me remember to go through my days more mindful I’ve placed in my bathroom a framed calligraphy picture of Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I find it’s a reminder I need every day.