I remember a set of commercials that aired when I was a child. In each one, a rabbit schemed to steal the children’s breakfast cereal. The commercials always ended the same way. The rabbit would get caught and the children would say, “Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids.”

So often we speak of teachable moments for children. Of being aware of the world around us and how our children are responding. Crystal Bowman wrote a terrific blog post just a few weeks ago on this very subject. If you missed it, here’s the link: Teachable God Moments.

Still, Crystal’s post started me wondering. How many times has the Lord tried to get my attention for a teachable moment, and I missed it because I’m inattentive?

Because I’m present in body, but my thoughts are a million miles away?

Because the striking sunset is not as important as what I need to add to my to-do list?

Because chirping crickets are not as interesting as what I have to say?

Sigh. I’m ashamed to admit I’m sure I’ve missed more than a few teachable moments simply because I was not present in that moment. Jim Elliot, martyred missionary to Ecuador, once said, “Wherever you are, be all there.” Advice I need to heed, and I’m guessing I’m not alone.

When I wrote Daily Reflections on the Names of God, I organized it around three questions:

What does this name say about who God is?
What does this name say about who I am in relation to God?
How does this name or attribute of God impact my relationships?

To be better prepared for the teachable moments the Lord has for me, I want to ask three similar questions about all of my experiences:

What does this situation teach me about who God is?
What can it teach me about my relationship with God?
How can I respond to this circumstance in a way that grows and blesses my relationships?I’m looking forward to what the Lord will teach me during those teachable moments.

I’ve already learned my first lesson: teachable moments aren’t just for kids!