As I have been doing the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog I have been learning things that relate to more than blogging. I have had my eyes opened to possibilities that exist all around me. I am being forced to go outside my comfort zone.

One of my past assignments was to go to the Mall. I soon discovered it did not necessarily have to be the mall. It could be the park, a local library or bookstore, an amusement park or most any other place. However, I found myself cringing a bit as it looked like I was going to add something more to my plate (as if most of us don’t have enough already). Then I began to realize it wasn’t adding anything at all but rather forcing me to get things done.

Take the Time

As I thought about the idea of pushing myself away from my computer and going to the mall it became apparent I was going to have to step outside and take in the sights. Not something I really like doing (at least going to the mall part). But I decided, begrudgingly, to follow the suggestion in the lesson and go to the mall to see what would happen.

As I entered the mall I began making my observations and it suddenly became interesting. I saw the people, the businesses, the advertisements and the structures differently. I started asking myself some questions. Who are these people? Why are they here? What attracts them to such a crowded space? I started to see people rushing by but I could sense they each had a purpose and a direction. Each store was intentionally designed to reach a certain people group. They used colours, displays and other attractions to grab these people’s attention. It was interesting how the mall itself was laid out to make it easier for people to find their particular niche.

I accumulated a large amount of data in a very short amount of time. So, I sat down in one of the chairs and began to record what I had observed. I even took time to ask myself some more questions and reflect on the answers. It was amazing what I discovered. I saw a part of life that I normally take for granted. I took time to hear the sounds of babies laughing. I could see the people (many very frazzled) make their way to their next purchase. I could smell the fresh wax on the floor and noticed the workers cleaning. It was amazing to even discover, as I felt the chair’s fabric under my hands, how worn the furniture was becoming. These chairs were being well used.

Be Prepared

I came away from this time with some ideas for making this an even better experience. Next time I will start preparing myself with the right attitude. I have decided that this is one way I will be able to have an opportunity of connecting with people (I may even have a chance to share my faith with others). I will also be equipping myself with some tools to help keep me on track. I will be bringing a number of electronic tools with me. I will probably bring an ipod or iphone, a notebook and pen, and possibly other tools that may help me better record my observations and thoughts.

Review the Process

Go – somewhere and intentionally make it interesting for yourself. In order to refuel and get some addition insight I found I need to get out and go to the mall, the library, the park, the sports arena, the amusement park or some other place of interest.

Observe – the things that are happening all around us. Many bloggers are already keenly observant. But this skill needs to be continually worked on or it becomes dull.

Question – like a child. Asking questions can be difficult but it is the way Jesus got His disciples to discover things for themselves.

Who? – Who are these people?
What? – What can I do to help them?
Why? – Why are people coming to this place?
When? – When is a good time to be at this place?
Where? – Where is the best place to meet people?
How? – How do I share my faith?

Record – your observations so that you can take time later to go over what you have heard, seen, felt, smelt and touched.

Reflect – on what is going on around you as often as possible. I have found that I need to intentionally make the time for quiet reflection in order to bring together and make sense of all the experiences I have in a day.

Share – what you learned with others. Help others discover something today. Try answering your own questions. Maybe someone else is asking those same questions.

Through this process I have discovered a number of things. I discovered I need to be more aware of my surroundings and my family, friends, neighbours, co-workers and community. I discovered that God is already at work in places I seldom venture. I discovered Jesus loves people where they are at not where I want them to be.

Rob Ross is the coordinator for Oikos Ministries (a network of organic churches). He is a disciple of Jesus (Making Disciples) who lives in Calgary, AB with his family. Connect with Rob on Facebook or Twitter.

This post is adapted from a post I did for 31DBBB Day 13: Take a Trip to the Mall and Improve Your Blog.

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