Watchfulness

    I was reading a book recently and a phrase caught my attention "watchfulness". Its a phrase I've heard before, but it is also one that is more rich with meaning each time I come across it.
    A few years ago I was told I had the personality of a watch-keeper. In ancient societies this was the person who was to be vigilantly on the lookout for danger, warning the community of what they saw, what was to come. At first, I really didn't like the idea of being a watch-keeper-like-person. The person saying this seemed to be insinuating I was too vigilant. Too anxious. Too vocal.
   Yet, now as I delve in scriptures and spiritual readings, watchfulness means so much more. As a pastor I watch out for my lock, like a shepherd, looking for danger and protecting them to the best of my ability. As a spiritual director, watchfulness comes in the form of listening, hearing beyond the words to what the heart and Spirit are say. As a reflective person, watchfulness often comes in the form of thoughts I know are not my own when I pause and review the day.
   At Bible Study last week at MU we discussed watchfulness - what would it look like to be watchful for God's hand throughout the day? I find that practicing the examen brings forth watchfulness, as does being accountable to a spiritual director. Being watchful is being vigilant for the hand of God. And that is something I'll never take for grant it.