For a time, I worked under contract with the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. I instructed surveillance detection teams whose job was to watch for suspicious activity around American embassies, consulates, missions, and personnel. Those teams had to notice what most people would walk past and know when to report it or respond.

When I say “State Department,” it probably brings to mind something more glamorous than hours spent teaching people to pay attention. But that was the point. The work mattered most when a team recognized a threat early enough to help keep people safe.

My life has taken me from that work to Rotary meetings on Wednesday mornings, with quite a few unexpected stops in between. It may sound like an odd route. To me, the connection is clear: wherever we find ourselves, we can pay attention to the people around us and do something useful with what we notice.

Next week, I’ll tell you about another part of that work that has stayed with me.

Until next Wednesday, I hope something good happens because you were there.