One Word for Families - April

“All my life I've looked at words as though I were seeing them for the first time.”

― Ernest Hemingway

“She kept watching the words. ” ― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

Watch.

My final three months of college were mired in a nasty case of mononucleosis. I was a theater and dance major which really created a problem because the illness caused an overwhelming fatigue. Sadly, it was common to see me propped up against a class wall just to keep from flopping over. And an inflamed spleen forced me to tap dance sitting in a chair. However, I do recall not missing a single class. In fact, I received a public congratulation from the department head for my attendance and dedication. Yes, I was determined to graduate on time which I did!

But that challenging semester also gave me insight into how much I enjoy simply watching. Because I was physically forced to sit, I closely observed how my professors taught and how students respond to different teaching styles. I would take copious notes and formulate questions to ask the professors each day. Yes, I learned and participated and graduated with excellent grades but more often than not, I realized I am a WATCHER.

If I lived in bible times and actually walked with Jesus, I would watch his eyes as He gazed into people’s souls. I would watch His hands as they touched and healed. I would watch His physical presence as He expressed deep love and His stillness as he listened. I would watch people weep from overwhelming emotion; stand in awe of His wisdom and ache with longing for the moment to never end.

The month of April, let’s use the word WATCH.

Watch people – their eyes, hands, body language

Watch for needs – how can we help?

Watch ahead – look at what might be coming next and be prepared

WATCH-ing may give opportunity to look outside of ourselves and live with others in mind. An area we all fall short at times.

Watch.

Action ideas:

1. Imagination: As a family find a nice bench in a public place and people WATCH. While you WATCH, take turns designing from your perspective, the stories of their lives.

2. Compassion: As you drop the kids at school or church or a playdate, suggest they WATCH for someone in need. One step further would be to see if they can meet that need with listening, encouraging, a toy or a turn.

3. Model: Intentionally choose a couple role models for your children and yourself. Have a discussion about who these role models are and what you would like your kids to WATCH in them. Then share about your own role model and how it has been a benefit for you to WATCH them.

4. Anticipate: WATCH for times when you can be ahead of the people around you. Clear your plate before asked. Grab the laundry when the buzzer sounds and fold it while it is warm. Parents, model and teach these moments to your kids. Teach them how to WATCH.

5. Parents: WATCH your kids. Point out things you observe, like when they are kind or when they make a good choice. Tell them you are watching them (in a good way too).

Any other ideas? Please share if your family does something different or if any of these things develop into stories!