While I was in the bathroom this morning, I realized
there were eyes watching me. They were half hidden under a towel draped over
the edge of our Jacuzzi tub. I laughed when I spotted them because I knew where
they came from and how they landed there.
Pastor Geoff and Bethany, the Children’s Ministry leaders at
church, gave us “Root Deer” for
Christmas; a six pack of IBC root beer in glass bottles dressed up as adorable
reindeer with red pom pom noses, plastic googly eyes and brown pipe cleaner
antlers. As soon as I set eyes on them (pun intended) I commented to Mike, “Of
course these would have to be from someone who spends all their time with kids.”
I thought they were too cute to drink. Jonathan didn’t.
Since I rarely buy soda, he was thrilled to discover them in
the pantry but refused to drink a bottle until all the add-on parts were
removed. I’ve found eyes, noses and antlers everywhere (sorry Bethany), under
the Christmas tree, couch cushions, on the floor and patio table, in his room,
laundry room and even in the garage. This morning a pair of eyes was in my
bathroom, staring at me.
For all the reasons Jon gives me to feel nutty sometimes, he
gives me plenty more to smile. As I did my morning routine in the mirror and
saw those googly eyes looking at me from the rear view, a verse downloaded into
my thoughts from 2 Chronicles 16:9, "For
the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself
strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
As a child, I was told God was always watching me, which was usually
implied as a negative. He was waiting for me to do something wrong and keeping
score; like Santa, making a list and checking it twice, keeping track of who’s
naughty and nice.
Over the years of reading scripture and growing in knowledge and love for God, I’ve come to understand that, like any loving parent, He watches me because I am His child and He cares about my good. Does He see when I mess up? Yes, of course, but God is my Redeemer and His ultimate intention is to show Himself strong on my behalf and bring me back to a place of wholeness, health and stability. His strength plays out in my life in many ways: comfort, peace, love, grace, mercy, safety, instruction, guidance and correction, but always in what is best for me.
Over the years of reading scripture and growing in knowledge and love for God, I’ve come to understand that, like any loving parent, He watches me because I am His child and He cares about my good. Does He see when I mess up? Yes, of course, but God is my Redeemer and His ultimate intention is to show Himself strong on my behalf and bring me back to a place of wholeness, health and stability. His strength plays out in my life in many ways: comfort, peace, love, grace, mercy, safety, instruction, guidance and correction, but always in what is best for me.
I’ve come to realize that life without God’s direction and care is not
much of a life at all. As my heart remains loyal to Him, I can rest in the
awareness that the Almighty God, Creator of the Universe, has His eyes on me! I
don’t know if they are googly eyes or not. I’m just glad He’s always looking
out for my good.
Psalm 33:8 But the
eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his
unfailing love.
I Peter 3:12 For the
eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their
prayer.
As a child, I too, felt threatened by God's eyes, but as an adult, I am comforted to know He's watching. He's the God who sees and knows whatever we're going through. He is near. Thanks for this reminder.
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