Paying Attention

This morning
Up early.
Coffee made.
Down the stairs to let our dog out into our backyard.
But instead of going back inside I went outside with her.
Cup of coffee in hand.

I sat down.
Deep breath in the early morning chill.
And I watched as my dog took stock of her surroundings.
She stood at attention for the longest time.
Taking in the morning.
And what was around her.
I sipped my coffee.

Watching her
I wondered
When was the last time
I stood or sat at attention for that long?
Focused solely
On who
Or what
Was around me?
Being quiet enough
Still enough
Silent enough
To notice?

And in that time
To allow God to come close.