Paying Attention When It Counts.

A Letter from Uganda.

This past week I saw part Uganda’s national news broadcast.  The news article focused on how parliament was presented the country’s annual budget.  Yes, Uganda TV showed all the pomp and circumstance.  Soldiers dressed in their smart dress uniforms marched in perfect formation.  The country’s top judges walked into parliament with their colorful gowns and white wigs.  The president stood at a table surrounded by other politically powerful men.  This was a very stately affair.

Then came another news article about the country’s annual budget.  This article was called something like, “The lighter side of the budget presentation.”  One video clip showed a politician standing for the national anthem.  The video shot began at this politician’s head and ended down at his feet, revealing that he had taken off his shoes.  This suggested that this politician had a casual attitude about the event.

This news article continued with several other camera shots of senior government ministers and members of parliament (MPs) who had dozed off during the presentation.

Ugandans all around me roared with laughter upon seeing their leaders caught on video asleep during an important state event.  These leaders should have been awake and attentive.  The next day, photos of the sleeping politicians adorned the front page of a national newspaper.  How embarrassing!

I found out later that several MPs also fell asleep at the president’s State of the Nation address two days earlier.  Twice in one week.  Not good.

But this is a lesson for all of us.  Does your mind wonder off during a church sermon?  Do your eyes grow heavy, and then you quietly nod-off?  Or do you really focus on the sermon’s content and challenge yourself to following Jesus?

What about listening to your spouse or children when they speak?  Are you really listening to them?

Ugandan government ministers and MPs were caught asleep at two national events.  As for you and me, let’s pay attention when it’s important.

John Eastham,

New Missionary to Uganda