There are several definitions for noticing.  It can be defined as paying attention to or becoming aware of something for the first time.  In the context of coaching, noticing is a critical component which often times leaves clients with an “aha” moment opening avenues that were originally blocked.   It’s in these moments a simple question, “What did you notice about yourself?” can be the key to unlock whatever the client is struggling with. 

To better illustrate, let’s do a quick exercise.  Position yourself where there aren’t any distractions.  Set a timer for 2 minutes and use this time to notice your surroundings.  What do you see that may have previously been overlooked?  What do you hear that the busyness of the day blocks out?  What comes up for you in these 2 minutes?  This simple exercise can lay the foundation of the importance of noticing in our lives.  As I reflect on the practice of noticing in my life, I’m reminded of the following story that presented a “God aha” moment for me.

Watching my work computer fall and the screen crack was not how I expected the day to start.  Strictly focusing on the mountain of work that lay before, one prevailing thought lingered, how long will I be without a computer?  Shortly thereafter, I see a call from the dentist reminding me of a routine appointment for the next day. I ignore it with intentions on calling later in the day to cancel.  With the work that needs to be accomplished, I don’t see how I can get everything done and keep the appointment. 

First things first, how do I get the computer fixed? I schedule an appointment with IT the next day.  Upon initial inspection, IT considered it to be a quick fix and I should be up and running within an hour.  However, once they looked further, the repair required a certified technician extending my time from one to four hours!  With this abundance of time, I decided to keep my dental appointment, since I forgot to call and cancel. This usually lasts 30-45 minutes, but  I’m greeted by a new dental hygienist who proceeds to take twice as long as my regular hygienist does.  The longer she takes, the more irritated I become as I begin to think about what I’m missing at work.  Turns out, I have cavities that need to be filled soon or risk needing a root canal in a few months.  What a great day!

I return to work, computer still not ready, only to be greeted with an unexpected fire drill.  A fire drill in the middle of winter!  At this point it’s becoming comical as my face is greeted with 40 degree temperatures from a brisk winter morning.  Thirty minutes later, it’s now 11 am, fire drill is over, I return to my desk and like magic my computer is waiting on me.  Finally, time to work.

I’m sure you’re saying, what does this have to do with noticing?  The story doesn’t seem to fit with the subject.  As I took time to reflect on the day, I hear God ask the question, How often do you notice me moving in your life among the mundane tasks? 

Interesting question I hadn’t thought of before.  He took me back to where it started, the cracked computer screen.  In what seemed like a fluke accident - still not sure how that happened - God said, I slowed you down.  You were laser focused on work and would have certainly canceled your dentist appointment if that didn’t happen.  You were about to make work more important than health and that’s not what I wanted. 

He went on to say, I know you were frustrated when IT updated the time from 1 to 4 hours, but again I knew your appointment would take longer than usual and didn’t want you to rush.  Those cavities that are on the verge of needing root canals, couldn’t wait and I needed the hygienist to take her time so she could give a full report to the dentist. 

Finally, he said, I know the fire drill was unexpected as well, but when you returned I had your computer waiting on you.  Your computer was gone 4 hours, but you only missed it 30 minutes!  Wow!  As previously mentioned, that was my “God aha” moment.  Not only did he ensure I put myself first, but he also didn’t allow me to miss the time away from my computer.  All work was still completed.

My question to you, how often do we miss God in the mundane?  How often do we allow what we perceive as negative to alter our day and miss how God is moving on our behalf?  When was the last time you noticed God in the mundane?  Here’s my challenge.  Over the next week, take some time at the end of each day, 10, 15 minutes, whatever time you have and just reflect.  What have you noticed and how has it impacted your life?  Looking forward to hearing from you! 

Until next time, Coach Ahmad Brown

Send your stories to abcoachingllc@gmail.com.