Epicurious Lutheran

From February 2015 Bethel Bell Tower newsletter

²⁹ He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

~ Matthew 14:29-31

There are times when we want to be noticed and times we don’t. Peter, after Jesus was arrested, didn’t want to be noticed. He tried to hide in the crowd, but people kept noticing him and he continued to deny that he even knew this man, Jesus. Vicki and I see our birthdays very differently: the last half of November and the first half of December, Vicki can be heard dancing and singing around our house … “It’s my birthday month! It’s my birthday month!” She loves the attention and any opportunity to get together with people, laugh and have a good time. I, on the other hand, feel awkward with the attention. I like people to notice, but I don’t want a parade. We’re simply different people.

People like to be noticed even though the activity and recognition that comes along with it is as unique as the person who is noticed.

I think we all know what noticing is … it’s seeing, paying attention, caring, and, like the Bible reference at the beginning of this article, noticing can mean “becoming aware of.” Noticing even includes building history together. For example, our children like it when we notice that they have improved or matured. That kind of noticing means that we’ve not only seen, but we’ve remembered. And something about their life has taken up residence in our heart or our mind. You see … noticing isn’t about us, it’s about someone else.

I’d like us to try something this month. Let’s simply notice other people: notice your family, notice your friends, notice your co-workers, notice those who worship with us at Bethel – members and guests alike. Remember, people have different comfort levels with being noticed. So, please, if you decide to notice me … don’t throw me a parade. Take time to notice the people you pass in the store or on the Metro or those in the cars next to you as you’re stuck in traffic on I-66. Simply notice them … be aware of them … pay attention and care.

How does this “Build Bethel”? Well … that’s where you come in. I would actually LOVE to hear how you think simply noticing people builds Bethel, and I’d like to hear your stories of noticing. You can tell me in the hallway at church, give me a call, shoot me an email, or, if you’re online (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram), use #BethelSeesGod.

In Christ,

Pastor Jeff