The list on my computer titled “Things to Think About in Different Months” has been calling my name. I haven’t perused it in some time.
You may recall that sometimes I use this list to give me a kickstart on what I might want to do during a particular time frame. For example, one of the words for March is actually “march” – like marching ahead. And one of June’s gems is “juggling.”
You may also recall that I have written multiple columns based on these calendar ideas.
Well, August is nudging me now with “attention,” “attitude” and “another.”
Now, let’s not get that confused with April’s “activity” and “action.” Since we’re officially in the dog days of summer, we might actually hurt ourselves if we spring into said activity and action.
Sidenote: The dog days of summer are traditionally observed from July 3 to Aug. 11 and are so named because Sirius – the “Dog Star” – rises and sets alongside the sun each day during this time period. Ancient Romans and Greeks believed this bright star added its own heat to the sun’s warmth, creating the most intense summer weather – hence, the dog days.
They obviously had not visited Louisiana, when days succeeding Aug. 11 may be even hotter than the ones that come before. Do I hear an “Amen”?
But back to “attention,” “attitude” and “another.” How can we use those words to guide us the rest of this month?
Actually, attention isn’t just about keeping our eyes open. It’s about keeping our eyes focused while we keep our hearts open as well. If we do this, we may notice a caring cashier whose smile brightens our day, a child’s question that stops us in our tracks, or a hymn we’ve sung a hundred times, only to suddenly hear a phrase that speaks to us in a brand-new way.
Scripture often urges us to “behold” or “consider” – in other words, to pay attention. After all, we seldom find what we’re not looking for.
Attention is one of life’s most valuable commodities. Every day, countless voices compete for it – news headlines, social media, advertisements, worries, schedules and endless to-do lists. Yet Jesus often directed people’s attention elsewhere: to lilies, seeds, vineyards and sparrows. He knew that where we focus our attention often determines the direction of our hearts.
Perhaps August is a good time to ask ourselves not just what has our attention, but what deserves it.
And what about attitude? We can’t always choose our circumstances, but we can often choose our response to them. A flat tire, a long line at the grocery store or an unexpected bill can sour an entire day – if we let it. On the other hand, a grateful spirit can soften life’s rough edges.
The apostle Paul wrote, “In everything give thanks.” He didn’t say for everything, but in everything. That’s a reminder that our attitude is shaped not so much by what happens to us as by how we decide to look at it.
Then there’s “another,” a simple word with more promise than we might realize.
“Another” can mean another chance after we have failed, another season after one has ended, another beginning when we thought the story was over, or another perspective that helps us see an old problem differently. It can even mean another mile on the journey, taken one step at a time. As long as God gives us another day, there is still another opportunity to learn, to serve, to forgive, to encourage and to grow.
So perhaps these three August words belong together. We can pay attention to what deserves our focus, choose an attitude that leaves room for gratitude, and make good use of another opportunity God places before us.
When tomorrow arrives, bringing another day, another chance and another mile along the journey, perhaps we will recognize each one for what it is – another gift from God.
Come to think of it, “another” may have been the best word on the list all along.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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