NOTICED
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.” Psalm 31:12, ESV
Theme: Even when we do our best, sometimes we feel overlooked, forgotten, or unappreciated.
NOT FORGOTTEN
No one likes to be overlooked or forgotten, especially not by our family or team. Even a quiet, uncomplaining person likes to be remembered by name and thanked when they help. During the first weekend of Movies at the Cove, I was the emcee for first through third graders in Cove Kids. I noticed a few of the volunteers on my team didn’t have the matching blue and yellow shirts for the series. I thought, “Maybe they don’t want them” or that they already had a shirt but didn’t want to wear it. We are behind the scenes, so it wasn’t obvious to the general attendance or up-front staff that a few weren’t matching. Maybe they missed the huddle? Well, so did I. If someone was going to ask about shirts, it was up to me.
SHIRTS FOR OUR TEAM
“Thank you for serving with us. Would you like a Movies at the Cove shirt? I can look for your size and get one for you if you’d like.” I started off with that, but worried that I was making my teammates uncomfortable. I was concerned that maybe there weren’t enough shirts or that someone was trying to conserve by only outfitting those who served out front. “If it’s not too much trouble, yes I’d like one,” said one competent volunteer who leads regularly. One of our Cove Student volunteers (whom I had thought might not want a t-shirt or want to change her stylish outfit) also requested her size and thanked me politely.
As I distributed shirts in the requested sizes (thankfully, all available!), I realized that the appreciation I saw was less about the shirt itself and more about being seen, valued, and recognized as a part of the team. Each adult and student leader took the time to put on their shirt right away. They seemed to smile brighter and stand just a bit taller in the coordinating team attire. Making sure our teams have shirts or buttons or a fancy hat is less about the outfit and more about remembering and appreciating our teammates.
OVERLOOKED SIBLING
Via from the movie “Wonder” had no health problems. Because Augie needed so much care and attention, she felt like she needed to contribute by taking care of herself and not requiring much from her family. Part of the story shows that her grandmother intentionally took extra time and attention for Via even though she didn’t appear to need it. Her grandmother loves Via just because she’s Via. There’s nothing remarkable about her health, she keeps her grades up, and she cares for herself pretty well without complaining. Still, her grandmother’s special attention and care helped her to feel worthy and loved.
HE SEES YOU
Even when we do our best, sometimes our efforts seem unremarkable. But God sees you. In the familiar account of two sisters, Mary and Martha, we usually focus on how busy one was and how the other chose to listen at Jesus’ feet. When I read it today, the cry from Martha sounded like a request to be noticed, seen, and appreciated. “But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me’” (Luke 10:40, ESV). It isn’t that Jesus didn’t see Martha. He saw her … and He sees you. He appreciates Martha, but not at the expense of Mary. He doesn't appreciate Martha because of what she did, or what you and I do. He loves us just for being with Him – nothing more.
We don’t need to have problems to be seen (although He sees our problems). It doesn’t have to be a remarkable day, good or bad. You don’t have to make Him a big meal or have a spotless kitchen, though I imagine Jesus would enjoy your cooking and hospitality if you did. In your everyday work, in your rest, or in your quiet competence, He sees you. You are not forgotten.
Make It Personal: Have you perceived God’s favor and attention lately? Why did you think He noticed or overlooked you? Stop competing with someone you think of as more remarkable (or needy) than you. Commit to thank God for having enough attention and time for all. Trust that you are noticed and not forgotten.
Pray: Dear God, please help me to look to You and recognize what You are actually saying and seeing. Help me to see Your kind eyes that love each of Your children with no strings or works attached. Thank You for loving each of us as a favorite. You don’t have favorites really, but I know You love me that way, just like You love my brothers and sisters that way. Your supply is not limited. Your attention is not limited. You are the God who sees. You are Jehovah Jireh, the God Who Provides. You provide and You see us. Thank You for not ever forgetting us, even when our emotions tell us otherwise. You are here and You are faithful. Amen.
Read: Luke 10:38-42; Job 19:14; Psalm 9:18; Matthew 10:29
Weekly Memory Verse: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7, NIV