Yesterday I was at the pool with three of my grandchildren. It was a fun time, but as I think over that afternoon I am keenly aware of the importance of diligence. My seven year old granddaughter is a fine swimmer. She loves swimming underwater and doing cannonballs, but nonetheless my daughter is very watchful of her. At one point yesterday I was on the edge of the pool watching her swim, when suddenly she looked directly at me from a considerable distance. Although, she was smiling, I knew she was in trouble. She was not fully aware, but I could see the fatigue of the afternoon making an impact on her ability to return to the side of the pool. My response was immediate, I was quickly at her side, and the panic that may have come was averted.
This may be a small incident, but only because its potential danger was recognized and acted upon without hesitation.
Being aware and reading another persons cry for help, even before they actually cry out, is critical. I know it is impossible to read every situation, but this event yesterday showed me the reason we want to be alert. Alert to the people around us who may be needing help, but who are smiling and remaining silent instead. In these instances, the Lord can use our willingness to see beyond the superficial, to throw a life preserver to someone who may not even realize they are drowning.
1 Peter 5:8 ESV Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.