A Notice about Noticing

This is a notice that I want to put myself and all who read this on notice that notice an overlooked and undervalued word. It emerged from the Indo-European word gnoscere, which means to know, so right away we have a connection between noticing something and knowing it. We have the verb meanings: to mention, refer to, comment on, regard, pay attention, observe, be courteous or responsive to. Then we have noun meanings: information, announcement, warning, critical review, written or printed sign.

Not such a simple word, after all! I'd call it a poetic and theological word. The first act of a poet is to notice. The first act of relationship is to notice. Not noticing risks damaging relationship with others and with the world. All parents who care for their children know that noticing affirms a child's sense of self-esteem, of being cared for, of simply being. Spiritual practice begins with noticing God and God's world.

Notice. I am giving a notice. I intend to notice this week.