Pay Attention

Read

Mark 5:28-30 “She thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?’”

Think

Leadership takes on myriad forms, and if asked to complete the sentence, “Leadership is…” one can discover countless perspectives. Lately, I’ve found myself saying, “Leadership is paying attention.”

In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5, we find Jesus navigating through a throng of people, surrounded by crowds pressing in from every side. It was a chaotic scene as thousands sought to get close to the miracle worker. The atmosphere was electric, making it impossible to single out any individual touching them. Yet, this was no ordinary person; this was Jesus.

Despite the overwhelming crowd, Jesus halted. He sensed a different touch – a touch that drew power from him. A woman who had battled a life-controlling ailment, losing blood for years with no remedy in sight, reached out in desperation. She believed that a mere touch of Jesus could bring healing. Jesus, attuned to her faith, turned to acknowledge her touch. In that moment, he paid attention.

Consider this: Jesus could have easily continued through the crowd, unaware of the miracle that unfolded. But he chose to pay attention. His life and ministry were characterized by this act – paying attention to people and meeting their needs.

In the hustle and bustle of our own lives, we often find ourselves rushing through pressing crowds, consumed by our daily affairs, and inadvertently overlooking the opportunities to pay attention. In doing so, we risk missing the miracle moments that surround us.

Let this serve as a reminder – leadership involves more than just managing tasks; it requires a keen awareness of the people around us. Just as Jesus paid attention to the woman in need, we, too, can impact lives by slowing down, observing, and responding to the needs of those we encounter. In paying attention, we create space for miracles to unfold, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities for connection and compassion.

Apply

Be intentional to listen when people are speaking, focusing with your mind and eyes.

Pray

Heavenly Father, help us slow down and follow the example set by Jesus. Help us to cultivate this same spirit of attentiveness in our own lives. Teach us to slow down amidst the busyness of our days, to pause and truly see those around us who are in need. Give us strength and guidance to lead like Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.