There is something special that your child does when they expand their horizons and try new things. Whether it is taking their first few steps across the floor and into your arms as they giggle with joy. That first moment you ask them to pick out apples at the grocery store, and as they sneak away from your side, they continually look back to make sure you are still there. Maybe the first time they sing a solo in the choir or the first base hit in their T-Ball game. With all the first and scary moments of our children’s lives, we see them time and time again do this one thing. They look to see if we are watching. They find our eyes, and whether they are on first base or bagging their apples, they look at you and they speak without words “mom, did you see me?” Sometimes, they just run into your arms and want you to hold them as they sigh with relief that they did the task at hand. They search for us to find comfort, but also to receive confirmation that they did something well. They want us to be proud of them, and to encourage them.  

I love to imagine that this is what our Heavenly Father wants us to do with Him. As adults, we are not quite different when it comes to wanting comfort, confirmation and approval. Every time God stretches us and gives us new tasks, we do not need to look to the right or left, but remember to look to the Lord’s face for these great things. He is faithful and continues to watch and guide us as we boldly step into the unknown things with child like faith and grace. I can see Him with the great cloud of witnesses cheering you on as you make bold steps into furthering the Kingdom!

He smiles upon you as you step into the things He calls you to do. They may seem scary and new, but each step of boldness and each step of bravery always leads you back to the Father’s arms.  

Deuteronomy 31:6 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

One of my favorite songs reminds me, if God looks after the sparrows, how much more does He watch over me. Lyrics by Civilla D. Martin in 1901

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.