His Eyes

A post I thought fit well during graduation season. Recycled from CaringBridge with prayers for encouragement and perspective as you journey along…

Just over eight months ago I remember walking into the quad area at La Paz Intermediate school. The place was packed with wall to wall people. Over 600 empty chairs were set up in the center of the quad. The June sun was heating up the place at an alarming rate even though it was still morning. We moved three or four times looking for shade and a good view and finally sat on the edge of a planter box. All eyes were fixed on the left side of the stage area when the music began. Then, for what seemed like 20 minutes, a steady flow of eighth graders walked in single file and started filling in row after row of those aluminum fold out chairs. 

My eyes never left that stage until I spotted him. Tall, lean, wearing a black button down Quik Silver shirt that matched his on-the-longer-side black hair. 

“There he is! There he is!” 

We pointed and called out. 

“Jonathan! Jonathan!!” 

Julia started jumping up and down. We cheered and waved to him, but he didn’t see us in the crowd. He briefly looked in our direction which caused us to cheer even louder. He didn’t see us but he knew we were there. After he sat down, my eyes continued to look his way all through the promotion ceremony.

For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. 

(2 Chronicles 16:9a)

Last night I remembered the longing and anticipation and finally the relief of seeing my son in the crowds of eighth graders. No one else mattered to me as much as my son. The same is true when I see a group picture from a field trip that one of the kids goes on. My eyes scan the photo until I find my child.

Last night I was reminded that His eyes are on me because I belong to Him. 

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12) 

Now that I am adopted into the family of God, I am looked for in the same way I look for my own kids. His eyes move to and fro and His eyes are on me…fully aware of 

where I go, 

how I feel, 

what I struggle with 

and the victories along the way. 

I don’t see Him, but I know He is there. He sees me….and He knows exactly the encouragement I need. He prompts Bev and Gretchen and countless others to pray at just the right time, write just the right words or pick out just the right thing to remind me: He is near. His love is unending. Last night I felt His strong support as I looked around my room filled with cards and flowers and saw how all of you have been a part of His strong support.

Thank you for praying. Thank you for loving our family in words and in action. Thank you for all of the notes, food, treats, prayers, love, friendship and for really being in our corner during this cancer battle. We are so grateful for your love and support. Praying you will be encouraged as you think on His strong support and His eyes looking out for you…