Right or wrong. Seen for how I really am

Starter Prayer:  Creator God, could it be true that you give me my human dignity and significance by asking so much of me?  Do you respect me so much to hope that I could actually be like you?  (From Wondrous Encounters by Richard Rohr) 

When there is a loving, respectful relationship between adult and child rewards or punishments can be communicated with eye contact.  No words are necessary when one feels "seen" by the one who is in charge.  

You've seen it when tots are at your home.   Little ones will experiment with how much they can risk, how far they can go outside some rule.  They often look around to see if the adult is watching.  If there is a twinkle in the elders eye, they will proceed, often with increasingly bold behavior.  But if the elder has that look of "Don't go there" in the eyes, it often is enough to cause a correction of behavior.  

I can imagine God's loving and authoritative eye watching me .... and I pray that I do look towards God regularly so I can benefit from a loving benevolent glance.  My "goodness" gains momentum under God's sight.   I also benefit from the guidance offered firmly yet lovingly when I stray from what is pleasing to God.  Feeling seen by God can activate necessary corrections.  

God's children are esteemed and redeemed by God.  We have the call and the capability to be Christlike.  That's true for you and for me... for all of us.  

So, when you look in the mirror, see yourself for who you really are:  Always a precious and beloved child of God, with amazing potential to thrive and serve others.  And sometimes, a not so obedient, willing or humble kid.