Narration

BETHANY TIPPIN

My daughter is learning to drive. As part of her training, I’ve taken to saying out loud what I’m thinking and processing as we travel to and from home. “Check left mirror. Turn signal left. Check blind spot. Change lanes… 

”All this external reporting got me thinking about the other almost-automatic skills and habits we have that don’t quite get passed along to others. Modeling is powerful and certainly blesses, but there are things we miss when our parents, mentors, and spiritual guides fail to speak them aloud. 

I think this is especially true as we rely upon technology more and more... I may be reading the Bible or pouring over a devotional, but it looks no different to my family than anything else I do on my phone. Perhaps it’s time to say: “Wake up. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Get up and start coffee. Lean into God’s Presence. Find the porch swing while it brews and say morning prayers. Drink the first cup with scripture…”

Sometimes awareness is all we need. I’m praying that is true for you (and me, too!). What invisible abiding and relational activities with God remain hidden in you and need to be uncovered for the sake of others? 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5:14-15)