Jesus noticed the woman at the well, the leper, the blind man. He didn’t shy away from difficult people, but he saw the ones so often overlooked—and he loved them. As Christians, it’s our job to notice.
A few months ago, my friend, who is a Young Life area director in a college town, did something a bit out of the ordinary. He wanted to connect with Young Life alumni—that is, those who had graduated from college, but had previously been involved with Young Life as college students—so he rented a rooftop bar. He was shocked when over 100 Young Life alums showed up! After buying a bunch of appetizers, this area director resolved to have 10-15 intentional conversations that evening, determined to connect with these Young Life “graduates” on a deeper level. His ministry of presence was time well spent. That is the art of noticing.
The theology of noticing requires absolutely no skill set. It just requires a few basic tools, like creating community, asking questions, and being a safe place. It also involves listening, and yes, providing civil discourse. If the church would be intentional, if we really were slow to speak and quick to listen, our efforts could have a great impact.
The secret sauce of our work at Young Life is building relationships. And relationships are slow work. You can’t microwave it. There’s no speed dial for friendship. Relationships take time, investment, showing up, and, quite simply, just noticing someone is there in the first place.
The world is longing for us to notice them. Members of our churches are hoping for this as well. They are waiting. They are begging us to pay attention. It’s that easy. We just need to be willing to open our hearts—or our driveways or even a rooftop bar—to them.
Whom can you notice today?