A Good “Noticer”
Margaret Gunderson
Scripture, prophetic guidance, knowledge, and discernment in the faith community must walk hand in hand to reveal the true will of God. Follow this pathway, which is the way of the Living Christ, and you will discover more than sufficient light for the journey ahead. -Doctrine and Covenants 163:7d
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey is one of my favorite children’s books. Recently my seven-year-old grandson, North, and I read it together. As North read the names of the ducklings: Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack, he announced, “They are in alphabetical order!”
I have read this story to dozens of children over the years. I had never noticed the order. None of the many children with whom I had shared this story ever pointed it out to me. I said, “North, I am amazed that you discovered that.” North replied, “Well, my friend, Sam, says I am a good noticer.”
We treasure the gift of our children. Discernment is also a gift from God to open, to touch, and to use. Each day we need to listen, observe, and evaluate the details of our lives. Each morning we can excitedly and eagerly ponder what lies before us. How else can we be ready to hear and to answer God’s call? I know discernment is not always this simple. However, the first step may be to listen to one another and simply be a good noticer.
Prayer Phrase
“Led by the Holy Spirit, we work with God and others to restore peace (shalom) to creation” (https://www.cofchrist.org/enduring-principles).
Spiritual Practice
Embodying God’s Shalom
Find a way to express and embody God’s shalom. Begin by prayerfully listening to your longing for peace and wholeness. Become silent and imagine you can hear the groaning of the Earth’s people, nations, and creatures. Prayerfully open yourself to God’s yearning for peace and the divine vision of shalom.
What images, feelings, and words come to you? What prayer for peace comes to you from your time of listening? Speak or write this prayer. What act of justice, kindness, healing, or peacemaking does God invite you to consider this day?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
