I’ve Learned to Pivot
One of the sweet experiences my husband and I had during his final months before moving on up to heaven, was seeing our oldest grandson at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, TX. He was so handsome in his military fatigues and oh, the pride and joy we felt that our grandson was about to serve his country. He went on to serve in the Army. Papa didn’t see that, but this day, as we beamed with pride on the side of the street, we watched his platoon march in perfect formation which included their ability to pivot 45 or 180 degrees at the command of their leader’s voice.
I’m still working on my pivots, but I’m so much better than I was before. Pivoting is a great word for us – especially when we’re heading one direction and then OUR Commander’s voice is heard with instructions that He has a better way to go than THAT way. My children knew one of my pet peeves was everyone being glued to their phones without conversation or eye contact with each other AND me. Then it was me during a meal or during a family conversation that my phone rang. Without hesitation, I quickly answered the call. I didn’t pause or look up. My grandchildren said “How funny, Nana! You’re wanting us to put away our phones, but you’re answering yours!” Busted!
After that illuminating incident with my kids and my grands, I started practicing pivoting. Like those soldiers who pivot and move another direction, I’ve learned to heed God’s voice and the instructions of those around me to help me be my best self. It may sound elementary, but how many times have you ignored a spouse, child, or friend while you continued texting, answering emails, taking that phone call, or scrolling through social media? It’s easy for us to become so disconnected that we don’t notice the people around us. We miss opportunities to minister to our family members and even strangers when our eyes are locked downward.
Here’s my way of pivoting when I’m entrenched in my phone or TV:
Step 1: When I sense someone approaching, I get ready to perform the pivot.
Step 2: I turn my head away from the screen and toward the incoming human being.
Step 3: I smile and look the person in the eyes. I practice body language that states, “I see you and I am listening. You are important to me.”
It’s a good thing the Apostles Peter and John weren’t watching Netflix on their tablets back in the Book of Acts. In verses 3:3-5, it introduces us to a lame man who begged every day at the temple. “When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ So, the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.”
Peter and John didn’t ignore the beggar. Different translations say they “fixed their eyes or looked intently at the man. That intense eye contact, linked with compassion and the power of God, led to the man’s healing! Peter and John pivoted their attention to help someone in need. And, we should pivot, too — when we’re walking into church, the workplace or our home — to look up and around. Our devices should never be our first priority. The people in our lives should always be given priority and even noticing if a stranger could use a kind smile.
It’s not easy – pivoting-on-purpose. But, it is worth the effort. I’m doing my best to practice pivoting toward others — even if I have to stop typing mid-sentence. The pivot is my way of “loving my neighbor as I love myself”, especially when I communicate: “You’re more valuable to me than a piece of hardware.”