Oblivious

The restaurant was hopping. The waiter was on the move from table to table—checking on his customers. I settled into my seat, back to the wall, observing my surroundings.

   Various conversations about business, Florida’s recent hurricanes, holiday parties…all which were interesting to my party of one.

A man at the table across from me caught my attention.

Why did I feel unsettled about him?

He had a backpack and I looked for signs of what could be inside, or concealed on him. He ate particularly slow as though he was tired…or possibly intoxicated. I thought about potential scenarios and how I’d respond to them.

Everyone seemed to be caught up in conversations or staring at their phones. No one noticed, or didn’t want to.

My meal came as the man was finishing his. The server placed the bill on his table. The man looked at it, took one last bite of his breakfast, folded the bill in half and headed toward the cashier. Except he walked right past and out the door.

The waiter realized what had happened and went outside after him. The waiter returned alone. He looked at me and came to my table to refill my coffee.

   “Did you get him?”

   “You noticed.”

“Yes.”

“I followed and questioned him, but he wouldn’t acknowledge me. He just kept walking. And, company policy says I can’t lay hands on him.”

“Will you call the police? I can identify him.” 

“No, I won’t bother. It’s easier to simply take the loss.”

 I slid my business card to him. “If you change your mind, I will be a witness. And I will pay for the man’s breakfast.”

“That’s very kind of you, but no need on either account. I’m surprised you were watching…so, aware. Everyone here is oblivious.”

Our conversation continued and I left him a generous tip.

Right then and there, I vowed to be more attentive in every other aspect of my day.

What if that’s how the spiritual realm works…by being intentional and noticing?

We can’t see what we won’t look at.

What greater viewpoint am I missing when I’m tuned out?

Today I begin again, practicing being present and looking for what God might be doing in an unseen reality.

How about you? Are you living oblivious or deliberate?

If you want to pay more attention, tune into our new show, That’s Funny.

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