When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

When you thought I wasn't looking you hung my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another.

When you thought I wasn't looking you fed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking you baked a birthday cake just for me, and I knew that little things were special things.

When you thought I wasn't looking you said a prayer, and I believed there was a God that I could always talk to.

When you thought I wasn't looking you kissed me good-night, and I felt loved.

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

When you thought I wasn't looking you smiled, and it made me want to look that pretty, too.

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

When you thought I wasn't looking — I looked . . . and wanted to say thanks for all those things you did when you thought I wasn't looking.

Those of us who are parents are ever conscious of little eyes and ears watching and hearing all that we do and say. However, all of us have an effect not only on younger ones watching us, but others as well — people around us at work and at school. People are watching us, even at times we may not be aware of it.

Recognizing that fact, may God help us to live in such a way that others are led closer to God by our example, just as Jesus urged us to live:

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

When you thought others weren't looking ... they were. Thanks for doing and saying those things that have brought people a step closer to the Savior.