Miss Kate has once again given us a word prompt for the week. Observant has a couple of different meanings. First to be quick to notice things. Second is adhering strictly to the rules of a particular religion, especially Judaism. To be an observant believer could also be described as being a devout believer. These two definitions fit well with each other don’t you think? What does it mean to be observant?
What does it mean to be observant?
The question is asked.
An eyebrow raised in expectation.
What does it mean to be observant?
To be observant is
Noticing the details.
Not just the large, but
Also the small. It is to
Pay attention.
But not only to pay attention
but to consider what
such an observation means.
A filled laundry basket
at the bottom of the stairs.
Noticed.
But it is truly observed
if it’s simply left there?
A neighbour sighs
Long and deep
Noticed.
But it is truly observed
If you don’t query why?
The 10 commandments
written down.
Noticed.
but if you ponder them not
Are they truly observed?
A group of children
circled round a singleton
Noticed.
Is observation truly seen
if you don’t watch for a few minutes?
A baby bunny
huddled in a corner.
Noticed.
But if you don’t look it over carefully
Are you being observant?
How many times in life
do you see, but
don’t truly observe?
Observation acts.
It doesn’t merely notice.
Think you not?
What does it mean to be observant?
Scriptural Insight
James 1:16-27
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Exodus 34:11-12
11 “Observe what I command you this day. Behold, I will drive out before you the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 12 Take care, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land to which you go, lest it become a snare in your midst.
Proverbs 23:26
My son, give me your heart,
and let your eyes observe my ways.
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Inspiring – I always love how you capture so much meaning in just a few words. By the way, why does the observed laundry basket always go unnoticed?? Have a wonderful day!!
thank you Jennifer… and I don’t know…. my guys tell me they don’t “know if they should”. GAH!
thanks for sharing these topical verses!
you are most welcome.
Fabulous as always 😊 I have windy stairs and try my best to ignore the laundry basket in the middle of the stairs! God bless Loretta visiting from fmf x
oh, you made me laugh. Thank you! 🙂
Love this! There’s quite a difference between just noticing and truly observing. (At my house it’s the fact that the kitchen trash is full – everyone notices, but no one seems to observe and act. :sigh:)
I’m at FMF#32 this week.
i know this one too! 🙂
I am going to consider this because I don’t know if I agree with you that being observant means you act. Maybe it really is just the difference in the situation. Most of the time in a scientific setting, you do not act when you observe. You truly just notice and consider. But then, maybe the considering is acting? I don’t know. As a response to humans or to God, observing means paying attention to and allowing it to change you so again, maybe the thought process or internal consideration is the act you are thinking of? Something to think on a bit.
good food for thought. Observation is sometimes just noting closely, and sometimes it does demand action, otherwise are you truly observing?
I observe the smallest thing,
but I am not a fool;
I know what observant means,
and that’s what makes me cool.
I wear the phylacteries
upon my arms, and also chest,
for I really aim to please
and also be the best.
I will rend my Walmart robes
and wail in public square;
at home I’ve got my Gucci thobes,
and really do not care
for what the unwashed people see
is Potemkin Village of real me.
hmm…… I’m feeling conflicted…..