Yesterday my friend Roy sent me a message: ‘Are you free for a game of chess this morning?’ I was. We met at a local hotel… The message got my attention – I enjoy playing chess; drinking coffee, chatting and playing chess held my attention for a couple of hours.
Yesterday afternoon I received an email. Apparently, Norwich City Football Club sponsors ‘Willy’s Pies’ have put 300 golden tickets into random matchday programmes that can be exchanged for a free pie. The email got my attention… the notion of a football club sponsored by Willy’s Pies, Willy Wonka-like golden tickets, and free pies all made me smile.
Rachel asked me to dig up some potatoes. Of course as a dutiful husband Rachel always has my attention. (She might disagree!). The task also got my attention – I was curious to discover how big the potatoes were on the next few plants.
Grandson-Zak came round for tea. Rachel had prepared shepherd’s pie and Biscoff cheesecake. It was good to catch up with his news over an enjoyable meal. Good food and good conversation both held my attention.
In the evening, at our church home group, we reflected on Sunday’s sermon about Jesus saying, ‘I am the gate’. The good shepherd, as the gate to the sheepfold, brings his sheep security, safety and protection. The discussion held my attention… we sought to gain deeper understanding and deeper experience of a deep truth.
The ten-o’clock news described the fragile peace in Gaza… Israel launching air-strikes… coffins handed over by Hamas… Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. The reporter’s final comment caught my attention: ‘Truce without trust counted in bombs and bodies.
This morning… Musing… What gets my attention? Enjoyable activities, conversations with friends and family, the quirky and amusing, the deep and thought-provoking, the horrific and shocking.
Last night we thought about Jesus the Good Shepherd whose sheep who recognise his voice. I’m asking myself if, how, whether the Good Shepherd’s voice holds my attention.
malcolmsmusings.org 
I fear that sometimes I miss his voice, Malcolm. Distractions and busy-ness get in the way.) But “he knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust (Psalm 103:14 HCSB). I have to trust that my Good Shepherd will make sure he has my attention when important matters require me to do so!
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My experience, Nancy, is similar to yours. It’s easy for Christians to talk about listening to the Shepherd. Balancing faith with honesty and humility isn’t always so straightforward.
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