Completion before Amelioration

By M. Charlotte Oliver

January 13th, 2021

I’ve found in the present days, tasks presented to me, are those I must complete by certain deadlines, in addition to those that are continuous and never ending. The dust accumulating on my nightstand, the inside of the microwave, which gets a splatter or two, no matter how precise I place food coverings when in use, and the glass of the shower door, the one I must clean, after every use to prevent more work later on. These everyday tasks, when approached, still must have some sort of good ending.  

As I thought on this reflection, I was unclear what my heart needed to express. Then in drinking a B Vitamin water a few moments ago, it came to me that even in the lifting of the bottle, I accomplish something generous for my body, my heart, and my soul. Lately, the noise of the world has been so very loud for my liking. I’ve never understood the need for such loudness some crave. The violence in speech and in actions, the need for constant attention, the consistent lies some tell themselves, to validate themselves. In hindsight, I’ve always been quite baffled by this need, this urge. Mind boggling effects on why such desires I find undeniably ambiguous, still continue, and why some choose to support such indecency, lends some confusion as well.

Relating to behavior, to each his own…some say. Yet, because I see the world as a connection of human hearts, I sometimes refrain from the use of this phrase. In everything I do, I know for sure, at least one element directly affects another. If I am mean to someone, hurt feelings can be transmitted to another, and another, and another. If I am kind, because I just am, the same snowball effect occurs. But to see the results of these things, I must be willing to notice everything around me.

Last week, I quickly wrote on the concept of attention destiny. I discussed the importance of paying attention in all aspects without preconceptions. Noticing takes this concept much deeper. As a poignant process, sensations are often high in this practice. Noticing offers the ability to really see what’s in front of us. Love, hunger, distress, abuse, peace, kindness…all of it. Noticing takes some form of bravery but builds strength. Jesus noticed every person in His surroundings. He not only noticed them, He listened, healed, and advised.

Our completed beings have been described in Genesis 1:31. In the first chapter of the Bible! God noticed “(He) saw everything that He made, and indeed, it was very good.” King David reflected on how well our human bodies were created “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works that I know very well”(Psalm 139:14). The act of noticing and reflecting on the good, which comes from such delicate processes, is priceless. The experience could also complete longings of more knowledge for the soul. Knowledge not needing to be shared, but instead, knowledge that rest.

Like everyday tasks, noticing comes in many levels. Some processes may be completed in one gesture offered through a question or from what the ears and eyes capture. Then there are other forms of noticing, the ones that linger. They complete at specific moments, and improve when approached, time and time again. In our human capacity, this is how noticing works. God’s dissemination of noticing is different, because it is constant and never changing. His unconditional love broadcast and delivers even when we sleep. We are so blessed.

Following the recommendations of many authors of the past and a few of the present, noticing is a staple practice in my everyday life. Some who know me, may hear me say “I see everything.” If you are ever near to hear me say this, I am simple saying “I see you.” A pleasantly good way to put an end to thoughts surrounding any doubts you may hold. Yes, I really do see you!

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