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Attention!

From Eric Corbin

"Attention!" with the exclamation point on the end, is a strong word, a command.  It means "Listen to me right now!"  "May I have your attention please?" is the same concept, though a softer form.  The word "attention" in "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity," as our author quotes Simone Weil, is so different, so gentle.  Instead of directing others to listen to what you are saying, this "attention" is all about listening to what others are saying.   Paying attention to others is indeed a deep gift to others.  We even reference that in the phrase "paying attention."  There is a transfer of something.  We spend something of ourselves when we are paying attention to others.  I cannot be lost in my own thoughts, or checking my phone, or otherwise distracted if I am to give you the gift of my attention.  I think this is a rare gift.  I know I'm quite guilty of such distractions.

Have you been the recipient of the gift of undivided attention, the kind Anna gave to Jesus?  When we do, it feels wonderful -- to be seen, to be heard, to be listened to!  May we be recipients and givers of the gift of attention.

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