Choosing to live a life that matters, is easier… when we don’t miss our “burning bush” moments.

I wouldn’t mind a “burning bush” moment, but who am I? And who talks like that? I mean, besides Moses.

“Aha! Yes, I know what it is, it is myself.”

The other day, a Jedi friend (Vid) invited/dared a group of us to notice our way of paying attention — challenging us to really focus on the quality of our attention so that we don’t miss the reveal/the messages about our mission for next year, our calling for the next 10 years, or our purpose for the rest of our lives.

It is very easy to miss it…we’re all so busy.

He went on to explain how it was actually the quality of Moses’ attention that allowed him (Moses) to notice the uniqueness of the burning bush, which then caused him to take interest and dared him to draw near. With a little more care, curiosity and concern, he became “exquisitely present” and therefore ready to learn about the new master plan that was in store for him.

I wonder how many burning bushes I continuously walk right past when the quality of my attention is compromised or because I’m not really even looking for it. We certainly can’t find what we’re not looking for. If the quality of my attention is not deliberately, exquisitely, evermore present, I’m likely to just keep missing it. Am I missing it on purpose? Maybe I’m not really open to a new master plan after all. Maybe I’m unconsciously just fine settling for the old reliable “Plan A” (keeping the status quo in place), delivering my current level performance. Maybe my strategy is to change very little and just keep hoping for the best. Maybe I’m stalling.

Maybe I’m not ready for the Red Sea moments that follow the burning bush moments.

“I sure hope this year is better than last year,” a friend blurted out to me in passing.

“So what are you going to do differently this coming year to make sure that it is better?” I responded to her question with a question, knowing all along that it was really directed inward, at myself.

“Let’s get specific. Let’s build your plan.” I think this kind of annual year-end recap/reflection and next year/next level planning exercise (see questions below) is the…