For you, what does it mean to notice something?
For me, it means being present. It means opening my eyes and my senses to where I am. It means taking the time to look—to pause, to stop, to simply be.
Lately, I’ve been striving to practice this habit of noticing. It’s not as easy as I thought it would be; it requires a deeper level of intentionality. I challenged myself to do this because I realized I used to do this years ago. But as life became busy and everything had to be done in a hurry, I slowly forgot the beauty of taking my time. I forgot what it means to notice.
Back when I was assigned in Cavite as a missionary, I always had moments of quiet by walking around the neighborhood—either in the morning or during sunset. Those walks were my way of relaxing, processing my thoughts, and listening to God’s voice within. Back then, I noticed everything: the soft rays of the morning sun, the dew resting on the leaves, the smell of the grass, the colors of the clouds, and the beautiful blend of hues as day turned into dusk. Even the smallest things caught my attention. It was God speaking to me through the mundane, the little, the ordinary.
Becoming a mother has changed many things. My quiet time is now limited to Iggy’s naps or bedtime. But now more than ever, I understand why the Jesuits say, “God will meet us where we are.” Because truly, He is right where I am—if only I open my eyes to His presence. If only I take the time to notice.
I realized that the art of noticing does not require grand gestures or extraordinary moments. It simply asks for our full attention. It calls us to be present—fully present—in the here and now. Because if we look closely, we will see that God has been here all along, initiating conversations with us, speaking to us, and pursuing us every single day.
I pray that as I continue this journey, I may learn to truly open my eyes and see. One moment at a time.
God bless your journey!
Journeying beyond,
Deanne
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