Joe and Jessa when you were toddlers the mall opened up an hour before the shops. We could join dozens of others out for their morning walk and have time to learn about safety and practice our manners. I would kneel down, look into your eyes, and explain that you could walk as long as you obeyed and I would just push the empty stroller. I then told you to walk on ahead and wait for me by a designated landmark. When you did that I would give you the next target and we would make our way down the mall. By the time the shops opened we were done and we would celebrate by sharing a freshly baked cinnamon raisin pretzel.

When you were 5 and 6 we practiced riding bikes around the block. I didn't have a bike to keep up with you so you would need to follow instructions carefully. I bent over, looked in your eyes, and explained that you needed to stop if a car was on in a driveway or coming down the road. As long as you obeyed we could keep going. Then, just like the mall, I would give you a target and you would ride there and wait for me! We did this everyday and the distance that you could travel ahead of me grew!

Now that I have ALS my ability to instruct you is limited. However, you have learned to read my eyes. You often know what I am asking of you without a word. You have spent so much time with me you know me so well. The Lord wants this same kind of relationship with you! He wants to lead you and guide you with His eyes! He always has His eyes on you so you only need to look to Him to find out what way you should go! He knows what the next target is for you to reach and what you will encounter on the way. Listen, obey and stay close enough to see His eyes! What He has in store for you is better than a cinnamon raisin pretzel!

Psalms 32:7-9

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

Lord, I'm Keeping My Eyes On You by Promise Quartet