On Fridays I like to do two things. Sing my Friday song and write for five minutes. The five minute writing exercise is inspired by Lisa-Jo who hosts Five Minute Fridays for a fast growing number of bloggers who join in on the fun. We simply write for five minutes (no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking) on the prompt word of Lisa-Jo's choosing. Today's prompt word is LOOK
When I take the daycare children on walks we have a rule about crossing streets. STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! We all cross together and before we do I call out, "Look to your left! Look to your right! Let's do it again! Left? Right? CLEAR! GO!" I also discuss using our ears to keep us safe by listening. We make a game out of listening for cars and finding them. Our tour guide at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art taught our group the value of really looking at a piece of art. She provided history, shedding light on the time period and culture that influenced each piece. It was amazing what you can learn when you REALLY look.
Oh, how often do I skip the looking part. I need to remind myself to STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! while conversing with others.....especially my family. When I slow down to really look and listen I gain much more insight to the words that are hiding "between the lines". Taking the time to look deeper, like we did at the MET, will give me a deeper understanding and appreciation for others.
I encourage you join in the fun....or at least take some time to visit Lisa-Jo's Five Minute Friday to read what others have done with one simple word. I'm always touched by the words of these fabulous writers.
Stopping by from 5 Minute Friday. I too am guilty of not really looking like I should. I get so distracted by the big picture that I don't really notice the small things.
ReplyDeleteThank you, MaryEllen, for stopping by! I am so with you. The big picture, the goal, the to-do list...are all distractions for me. But life is so much sweeter when we slow down and make that connection with others. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the reasons I'm loving my little man right now. Everything is so chaotic that only the most important things must be addressed. To be able to look and see what is important is a luxury I didn't have before when I had time on my hands. :) It doesn't make sense, but at the same time it does.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand what you mean SKM! Being forced to prioritize while while being immersed in chaos can really open out eyes to what REALLY is important.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea to write for 5 minutes without editing yourself! I like to remind myself to stop and look at all the beautiful things in my life and be thankful.
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I often find that when I meet someone new I would be concentrating on what I was going to say out of nervousness and then I'd realize I didn't hear their name at all. I am learning to slow down and really focus because my brain can go a mile a minute sometimes and I lose something in the moment. Good reminder to really stop and look for what God has put in our paths.
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