Have you ever stopped to ever really look at something? Have you passed by the same things every day but not really noticed them?

I find it interesting to stop and take notice of the little things in this world that people would normally just pass on by as if it were a fleeting thought. My wife and I live right beside a lake so I often like to look out upon it and watch the waves, the currents, the way the sun reflects off of it, the orange-red hue it takes on as the sun is going down. I do some of my best thinking then. You can let your mind's eye drift as your visual eye takes in the scenery.

I like to notice various objects, natural or manufactured, in this world and wonder what the significance of them are, and if they are what they seem. Such as rock formations cut by the retreating glaciers so long ago. That has a history of its own that is fascinating and has created some wonderful scenery that many of us just pass by. Or an abandoned vehicle at the side of a road. What is its history? Did it break down and the owners are off looking for help? Or was it the vehicle of an armed robbery getaway, abandoned forever? Or how about garbage just laying on the ground. Was it the work of a careless or unthoughtful person just tossing their trash, or the last meal of a homeless person just trying to survive? Who knows, but it's interesting to notice these kinds of things and take a mental photograph.

In the Star Wars universe one can notice many of these things that may not be what they seem. I think Qui-Gon was a believer in this. Remember he instructed Obi-Wan to be mindful of the future, but not at the expense of the moment. Such as noticing day-to-day occurances that can shape the galaxy. What may look to be one thing, might be an entirely different thing.

Just consider Palpatine as a friendly politician, but also a sly and evil Dark Lord bent on galactic domination. Or Anakin as Vader ... nobody knew Vader to be Anakin Skywalker, the hero of many Jedi missions, as he was completely sealed behind his mask. Or Lando on Bespin ... he tricked Han and Leia and Company into a false sense of security while secretly selling them out to the Empire. Or Owen and Beru ... raising Luke as a farmboy, but keeping hidden his storied family history. The same can be said for Leia. Or Yoda on Dagobah ... he appeared to Luke to be a frail little hermit that only caused trouble. Not the image of the most powerful Jedi that had ever existed. These are all examples of how looking at the moment can give you clarity. The Jedi could not sense that Palpatine was the secret Dark Lord they were looking for, despite his being right in front of them. Luke could not tell that Yoda was the Jedi Master he was looking for, as his image of a Jedi was that of a larger than life warrior, and not a small hermit.

My point is, it's good to stop and take notice of the things around you. Take notice of the beautiful scenery as you drive through the mountains, take notice of the last orange-red-yellow hues of the setting sun, take notice of the things that grab your attention as you pass by.

I've realized that Qui-Gon spoke very true words ... be mindful of the future, but not at the expense of the moment. Live and love every moment.