One of the key factors of experiential learning is training our minds and the minds of others to observe and learn, to be individuals versed in observation and deduction. Wisdom pays attention and searches out the meaning of things. God calls us to utilize all our powers of sense and observation and we see this throughout the Bible. “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good”. Ps 34:8 The observational believer is open to the voice of the Spirit, the voice of wisdom, in all situations. God calls us to pay attention, look around. To be aware of the goodness of God in all things. His goodness is not simply a truth but also a flavor and a sight to see. Later in the same Psalm we see these powers utilized: “The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” Ps 34:10 In observing the powerful king of the jungle, an alpha predator, David’s insight is helpful. Lions have all the power, they have all the talent. In fact they have no real competition. Yet at times, even lions suffer from want. What does God want us to observe in this? I am tempted to think that if I can enter a situation with enough resources, talent and hard work I can make my world work. I will never be in lack if I can be strong enough, or maybe just a little stronger than those around me. Or perhaps, if my life is more like a field mouse, I might think, “if only I could be a lion, they have it made!” But in this passage the Lord helps us see that those who seek the Lord are in a far better situation. What is better than a super strong creature? To be loved and cared for by the Creator! The master that can supply all my needs, the one who truly has no rival. So many times I am focused on the bread instead of the maker of the wheat, a truly safe and privileged position. So I seek to seek Him. Our ultimate opportunity in observation is seeing the invisible God in the visible Christ. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” Col 1:15. As we become excellent observers of the life and sacrifice of Christ and our own nature we learn daily about true mercy. Jesus showed us His mercy when he healed ten lepers in Matthew 17. “Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Matt 17:17 Only one went back to praise the Lord and humbly recognize, to “taste and see”, the goodness of God. That man was a Samaritan, he was a foreigner. More mouse than lion. Only when we “see” our low position will we “see” his goodness in all things. When I observe rightly who I really am, aided by the Spirit and the kind face of Jesus, can I have the courage it takes to observe myself rightly and in turn to see His mercy clearly. Hebrews 12:2-4 “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” No observation of nature, as good and helpful as it is, teaches me what looking and considering Jesus teaches me. As I mentioned before, this must be done tandem with brutally honest observations of my own failings. Only as I fully observe and own my transgressions, do I have the sense to truly “Taste and See” the mercy, the goodness of God. Confession not only brings clarity but it also brings a spring, a gushing cool fountain, of hope and encouragement. May we be excellent observers and teach others to do the sam