Did Anyone See That?

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
1st Corinthians 10:31-11:1 NLT

A friend sent me a poem that reminded me of this Scripture passage. I've seen the poem at least a dozen times, but it's a great reminder every time I read it. It's not about performing to the best of our ability for performance's sake. It's about doing and being the best we can be because someone - in this case, a child - is watching... and learning. (The poem is included at the end.) 

Our Christian walk is under the same scrutiny on a daily basis. Somebody somewhere is watching, is listening, is waiting to see what we will do in any given situation. Sometimes it can be about judging us, but mostly it's about silently observing and learning.

What will they learn if they watch you and me? Will they come to know the Christ of Calvary? Will they learn of His love or only of His Law? Will they know mercy or misery? Will they see patience or pouting? Hear praise or prattle?

What do we WANT them to learn from watching us?

Prayer:

Father,
           According to Your Word, let me so live my life in Your Light, that You will be glorified. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I looked at you and wanted to say, ‘Thanks for all the things I learned while I watched you, when you thought I wasn’t looking.'