I’m Loving Being a Lazy Genius: My Favorite Podcast

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By accident, and very late to the party, I discovered The Lazy Genius Podcast, hosted by Kendra Adachi. She’s just celebrated her 10th year and I only heard my first episode (#364 When Life Feels Like a Firehose) in May 2024.

But she hooked me from the very beginning. Maybe it was the episode title but it was most definitely the great content. This woman wasn’t a lazy genius—she’s just a straight up genius!

The premise for Kendra’s podcast (and her 3 NYT bestselling books) is simple: Be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t.

Kendra Adachi, host of The Lazy Genius Podcast

Kendra is practical, wise, funny, honest, relatable, and compassionate. Though I know she’s reading her script, her voice is so natural and pleasant, I could listen all day.

Her material focuses on compassionate time management and though I’m sure most of her listeners are women, anyone would benefit from her wise counsel.

She’s young (compared to me), married, with 3 children between 4th grade and high school. She understands crazy school schedules, kids’ practices, work commitments, messy houses, a mom’s desire to control everything and the impossibility.

Designed around 13 principles (listen to #378 13 Principles That Will Change Your Life), Kendra’s goal is to help me (and all her listeners) create the best system for ME, not the latest, hot trend or goal-driven organizational planner.

If you struggle to get things done, or feel caught in a spiral of anxiety about your schedule, or your meal planning has no plan, or you can’t figure out why the laundry never gets folded, or you feel guilty whenever you take a moment for yourself…this podcast is for you!

Listen…I love Kendra Adachi. I want her as my next door neighbor. Or my new best friend. Or both. I’m sure she has flaws and makes mistakes and doesn’t clean her oven either, but the great thing is…she admits she’s still learning. I wouldn’t listen to someone who thinks they have it all figured out.

So, give her a listen. Her episodes drop each Monday (makes me look forward to driving to work).

Start with #378 (mentioned above), then try #408 3 Surprising Steps to a Clean House, #366 20 Helpful Decisions I Keep Repeating, #437 10 Things I Always Do When I Have People Over, or my first one, #364. But I’ve enjoyed every one. Not a dud in the bunch.

And you’re welcome.

We Need Each Other

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In a world where it’s so easy to stay isolated, I’m trying to make more intentional choices to stay connected with people.

Though I have the option to work remotely, I choose to go into my office to see and interact with people face to face. Why? Because we need each other.

Though our church continues to offer our weekly services as a livestream, we encourage people to physically show up in the building. Why? Because we need each other.

Though I enjoy my siblings’ fun and informative text stream, my favorite times are when we get together wherever and whenever we can. Why? What do you think? Because we all need each other.

Jazz Under the Stars live concert with hundreds of friends!

I enjoy shopping in a brick-and-mortar building, engaging with sales clerks, stockers, and servers. I want to give out real encouragement, not just Yelp reviews. I go to a real library, not just downloading a Kindle book.

But sometimes it’s an effort. Sometimes I’d rather stay home by myself. And that’s ok as long as it’s just occasionally. Because…we need each other!

Here are a few ideas to help connect with people:

  • Send someone a quick “thinking of you” text
  • Invite a friend to meet for lunch or coffee to catch up on life
  • Send a photo memory to a family member
  • Send a care package to a favorite college student
  • Plan a weekend group activity like hiking or shopping
  • Host a game night or backyard BBQ with neighbors
  • Plan a picnic with friends
  • Start a book club with coworkers
  • Make a birthday calendar and note important dates for you to remember
  • Go see a movie with a friend
  • Comment in your friends’ social posts
  • Make a playlist to share with someone who loves music
  • Gather a group of friends to enjoy a live concert in the park.
  • Sign up for a class with a friend

There are so many ways to stay connected with people in your world. It’s important to make the effort because… you got it. We need each other. ❤️

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬

view of a small lake with green grass in front and blue sky with white clouds

Have You Ever Gotten Lost?

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I love to take super long walks on Sunday afternoons. Yesterday it was so hot, but I love walking in hot, humid weather. For some reason, I feel like I’m getting a real workout when I’m so wet with sweat that it looks as though I’ve taken a dip in the lake. The thermometer said 89 degrees with a soaring dew point. That’s MY idea of “sweat-er” weather. 😊

I also love to walk/hike new trails. There are a bunch of local parks around my town with miles of trails that meander through the Iowa countryside. You would never know you’re in a city because you can only see prairie, deep woods, streams, and blue sky. I decided to try out a “new to me” park with a variety of trails, from paved to gravel to mowed-through-the-prairie paths.

A bark-cover wide path through tall trees with sunshine at the end

I arrived mid-afternoon with my water bottle, planning for at least a 3-mile walk. I always stop to take pictures of wildflowers or whatever else jumps out at me, so I’m not concerned about my pace. My time in nature feeds my soul and refreshes me right down to my bones. I love it so much.

I started out on the wide bike path but soon chose a less traveled gravel path that wound down by a stream and up alongside the prairie. Eventually, I pulled up my phone’s maps app to see where I was.

A shallow stream with a red cardinal drinking along the bank

The map clearly showed trails within the park, so I was confident that I could choose any path and still find my way back to my car. After about 40 minutes, I noticed something: the trails on the map did not match the actual trails. Where the map showed a gravel trail back to the main parking area, my eyes only saw trees and prairie. But I wasn’t worried. I was in no great hurry, so I just kept walking until I found a newly mown path to follow. I found a hidden lake, a deep woods trail, a bubbling stream, and some beautiful wildflowers.

Eventually, I knew it was time to get serious about getting back. I kept taking a new trail, confident the parking lot would be right around the next bend. But no…just more trail. I wasn’t lost, exactly, but I wasn’t where I wanted to be either.

Here’s the kicker… I could see the parking lot, but I couldn’t get there. It was only about 300 yards across the dense prairie, but I wasn’t willing to hike through the tall grass (I don’t like snakes or poison ivy). The trail on my phone app looked like a straight shot, but instead of a trail, there was construction and fencing and no straightforward way around. I needed to find a different way to get where I needed to go.

There’s a sermon if I’ve ever heard one. Sometimes we can see where God wants us to go, but He hasn’t revealed exactly how He’s going to get us there. Sometimes you have to trust the process, even if it means turning around and heading in what seems like the wrong direction.

Back to my hike…

Up close view of a pink wildflower
Purple wildflower on a tall stem

I do enjoy a good, hot walk, so I made it to the edge of the park into a neighborhood and walked the 1.5 miles of sidewalk back to the park entrance and finally to my car. It was a wonderful afternoon. I was never worried. Obviously, I had my phone and could call for help if I really felt I needed it, but that feeling of “Where am I?” was slightly disconcerting for a few minutes.

What if I hadn’t had my phone? What if I had no map? At what point would I have turned around or chosen an easier route? Would I have gone off the beaten path or stayed safe on the bike trail?

As I journey through my daily life, I remember that slightly disquieting feeling of “Where am I?” and say a grateful prayer that I’m never lost as long as I’m safely following the leading of my Savior. I need to choose the trail He has me on and not wander off without consulting His map for my day. Thankfully, He’s always ready to help me get back on track when I make a wrong turn.

God is never lost. He is always my way out or my way through.

Here’s to long walks and the steady presence of God to guide us.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand… For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. ~Isaiah 41:10


I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. ~Isaiah 42:16

All We Have is the En Dash

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I grew up a quarter mile from a small rural cemetery. I often walked up the hill to wander through or play hide-and-seek amongst the gravestones. Though childhood friends frequently asked me if I was scared to live so close to a cemetery, I was never nervous or afraid. The gravestones were just markers of history, representations of real people who lived and died in my little part of the world. Most stones had more than one name etched in the granite, some whole families, with birth and death dates going back many decades.

Have you noticed how a gravestone’s birthdate and death date are always separated by a little line? That’s called an “en dash.” The en dash is used particularly between figures to show a range, like 1939–1945. It’s just a short dash with a very important job.

The en dash on a gravestone represents a whole life—everything that happens to a person between the time they are born and the time they die. As I grow older, I’ve meditated on my own en dash. Though I’m in no hurry to reach the end of life, it is closer than my birth date. And I believe we should all periodically think about how we live our everyday lives.

I love my life. I try to make intentional decisions to stay healthy in every aspect so I can fully appreciate the wonderful gifts God has given to me. My husband, children, grandchildren, friends, and extended family are all blessings. I enjoy my work, my church, my neighborhood, and my little home.

But am I living a fully flourishing life? Are there areas where I can do better, be better, grow stronger and wiser? Here are a few questions I’ve pondered as I live my en dash life:

  • How’s my physical health? Am I getting enough sleep? Do I try to move daily and maintain a healthy diet?
  • What brings me joy? Do I choose activities that challenge my mind? Do I talk to myself as a close friend or my worst enemy? What am I grateful for?
  • Are my relationships healthy and supportive? Where do I invest my time and talents? Do I have a community of friends and family with whom I can really connect?
  • Are my activities energizing and meaningful? What am I most proud of? Is it time to make a change in my career or commitments?
  • How do I spend my money? Am I in control of my finances? Am I prepared for any unexpected expenses?
  • How do I reflect the love of Christ in my sphere of influence? Am I pursuing a growing relationship with God? How about my spiritual disciplines?
  • Looking back on my life, do I have old habits and beliefs I can now let go of? Are there any dreams I’d like to pursue? What would I do if I didn’t fear failure?

As I enjoy each moment with my grandchildren, I’m so grateful for the life God has given me, but I also know I have a responsibility to live it with joy, grace, and wisdom.

And I want my en dash to represent a life lived fully flourishing for God and others.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Lessons from My Worst Job

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What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? Was it harmful, traumatizing, complicated, difficult, or just plain boring? Was it the worst because of your duties, coworkers, supervisor, or culture? Or something else entirely?

I’ve had various jobs — some very rewarding because I was pushed to learn and grow, others difficult because I was alone and lonely, and others just plain forgettable.

I was recently reminded of a door-to-door sales job I had in 1979. I was placed in a small town in Oklahoma that must have had a record number of tornadoes that summer. I shared a one-bedroom motel suite with 3 other college-age women. I was the youngest at 19 and slept in a sleeping bag on the floor. Without a car, I was dropped off in my work area every morning and picked up every night. We sold KJV Bibles, kids’ books, and a 2-volume set of medical dictionaries, and I carried a case with samples everywhere I walked. I spent a lot of time in the back rooms of the Circle K convenience store, waiting out a tornado warning. Ate a lot of Marathon chocolate bars and Dr. Pepper.

I was terrible at sales. Sometimes I tried my “pitch” to get in the door (remember, 1979), and when it didn’t work (because, of course, I didn’t think it would), I just asked for a glass of water. Did I mention I was terrible at sales? There were no cell phones, so I would call my mom on a pay phone every day, praying she’d accept the collect call. She always did.

Now that I’m a mom (and grandmother), I have so much sympathy for what I put my mom through. A thousand miles from her daughter and no way to help beyond being present through a phone line. And she didn’t even want me there in the first place. Both parents expressed concern about this little adventure I was adamant about trying. “What could go wrong? I’ll be with a bunch of other college kids?” “They say I can make a lot of money.”

I didn’t mention that the reason I didn’t have transportation was that my little yellow Vega died somewhere in southern Illinois along the interstate. My first call home was to my dad, who made two 10-hour round trips to retrieve it. The first time, the gas station where I’d left the keys was closed.

I ended up going home before the summer was over. I was “fired” for poor sales, but I wasn’t even sad about it. Home had never looked so good.

I think I measure every other job next to that one.

  • Do I have transportation? Yes.
  • Do I have visible coworkers (via in-person or on-screen)? Yes.
  • Do I have running water, indoor plumbing, and healthy food options? Yes.
  • Do I have to sell anything? No.
  • Can I take time out to help my kids? Absolutely.

I wish I could tell my mom that she saved my life that summer, just by accepting my collect calls. And my dad, for showing me that love isn’t a word, it’s an action. And by the way, they never said, “We told you so.” At least, not that time.

Growth Comes in the Struggle

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On March 16, 2020, I was a receptionist and executive assistant. On March 17, 2020, I was forced to work from home for the next 6 months. No one needs a receptionist when the company’s offices are closed due to a global pandemic.

With no certainty that life would return to normal, I had to make a decision. Be open to learning new job skills and expanding my abilities, or face the inevitable pink slip. Thankfully, the leadership at Stamats saw potential and encouraged me to learn new software and business practices. It was hard. I didn’t know what I was doing, and it was maddening. But that sharp learning curve fired up my competitive spirit. It was (is) humbling to make mistakes, but I was determined to grow and become a valuable team member. We were pulling together, and I wanted to be a part of the successes.

Five years later, I hardly recognize the employee I was. Not only have I grown my skills (with a LOT of patience from my co-workers), but my confidence has grown as well. And I’m surrounded by really smart people. 🤩

It’s still not easy, but that’s the point. Growth comes in the struggle.

But I know that any growth is because God pours out His grace and mercy into me. I rely on God for everything. He is my Source for strength, wisdom, comfort, healing, and direction. Smart people are wonderful, but learning from the all-knowing Creator of the universe is on a whole new level.

6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

the word flourish imposed over pictures of swaying palm trees

Bingo!

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Does anyone else choose a “word of the year?” I have done so for the last several years, though, like New Year’s resolutions, I often forget my word by mid-February.

This year, my word is “Flourish,” and I’m being more intentional about incorporating its meaning into many of my activities.

I love every one of these definitions. There isn’t a bad one in the bunch. Thrive; grow (luxuriantly); be in my prime; be successful; prosper; make sweeping gestures; add embellishments or fanfare…yes, please!

What does the Bible say about flourishing?

12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
    they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
13 planted in the house of the Lord,
    they will flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They will still bear fruit in old age,
    they will stay fresh and green,
15 proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
    he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

Psalm 92:12-15

What great verses as I navigate my 60s! The bold text is mine. How will I flourish? Like a palm tree, growing like a cedar of Lebanon, planted in God’s house. In other words, as I stay close to God, embracing His righteousness, I will thrive and grow. And not just as any old tree, but one that says fresh, green, and vibrant, bearing fruit even as I age. What an awesome promise!

Flourishing in my everyday life

However, knowing the definition and the Scriptures and putting this all into practice are very different. I’ve always been a planner (some would accurately say over-planner), so I sketched out a few activities for the first quarter of 2025. I’ve learned that setting goals for a whole year just sets me up for failure, but three months sounds doable.

I made a list of things I’d like to accomplish that will help me grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When I discussed my list with a co-worker, she mentioned something she was doing in her own life—a bingo card of goals for 2025.

I’ve always loved bingo. Consequently, in keeping with my quarterly emphasis, I created a Flourish Bingo card for the first quarter of 2025.

I set quite a few physical goals, such as walking, hiking, drinking, and a weekly Apple Fitness workout, but I also included some home management, recreation, relationship, and spiritual habits to round out my card.

My daily Bible reading, gratitude journaling, and prayer are non-negotiables. I love to learn more about God, so I created a square for taking a Right Now Media class each quarter.

I just now found a calligraphy class, but it won’t fit into this quarter—I’ll move it to the fall or winter when I’ll want more indoor activities. Writing today’s blog fulfills the “write one blog a month ” requirement, so I’ll be marking that square off as soon as I hit “publish.”

To be clear, I did not hit all these goals, and I knew I wouldn’t when I set up the card. But “someday” goals are still important. Maybe I didn’t get to spend a weekend away with Don yet this year, but I can put it back on my second-quarter card and try again.

And I also learned that just because I really, really want to accomplish something, I can’t do it all. I must prioritize; therefore, finishing taxes came before watercolor practice.

I couldn’t decide what I’d “win” if I got a BINGO. Maybe just the satisfaction of marking off each square. But I did it! I got a bingo, and I still have a few more days left in the quarter.

What’s the point?

First, who I am today matters. I’m not trying to reinvent myself, but no one is too old to try new things or find fun new ways to hit goals. Secondly, if I’m serious about flourishing, I’ve got to consciously make good choices. If I want to flourish in my “old age,” I need to stay close to Jesus, rooted in His Word, and intentional about my health, relationships, and free time.

Any advice for new squares to add in future quarters?

children's hands all meeting in the middle with Matthew 25 verse 40.

Have You Given a Cup of Cold Water Recently?

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One month into being 65 and I’ve spent most of that time blowing or wiping my nose and/or coughing up phlegm. (Side note: I really love the word “phlegm.” Just the word, not the actual stuff.) Lots of sickness as we start 2025. And I’m not just referring to the physical stuff.

My heart is sick over the plight of those less fortunate than I am. The homeless, orphaned, widowed, the untouchables who live in our communities. Those who spend hours searching for ways to feed their families when the income column totals are significantly less than the expense column.

According to Feeding America, 47 million people in the United States are food insecure, including 14 million children. Every county in every state has food insecurity. What does that mean? Millions of our friends and family, neighbors and strangers, don’t have enough food to eat or access to healthy food.

What Can Be Done?

Our church conducts a food drive at least three times a year. We contribute to local food pantries with the items they request the most: canned goods, toiletries, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies. All things we buy every day. Our compassionate congregation fills our church platform with paper towels, tissue, diapers, boxes of canned fruit and vegetables, soap, shampoo, and whatever else finds its way into our shopping baskets. But three times a year barely makes a dent in the need.

As we whine about the cost of eggs, those who shop in the pantries never expect to find those little orbs of gold. When we buy steaks to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one, the pantry gets a run on boxed mac and cheese. Meatless Mondays isn’t a cool vegetarian trend—it’s a necessity for many families (and not just Mondays either).

So many people, now more than ever, are just one job loss, missed paycheck, or medical emergency away from hunger. The need is great. But the shame is greater.

Why Didn’t I Know About This?

A few years ago, during the pandemic, our church participated in a food giveaway with a non-profit that provided a box of produce, canned goods, and fresh meat and milk to whoever needed it. I remember we requested 50 boxes to give away for free. No ID required. Just drive up to the door and we’d load the box (or boxes) into the car. Most of our congregation didn’t think anyone would show up…that their little community didn’t have a hunger problem. What we found was yes, our community does have a hunger problem, but we also have a pride problem. We had to beg people to come get free food…not because they didn’t need it, but because they were ashamed to show their friends and neighbors they needed it.

If you have never been inside a food pantry or had to sign up your kids for free breakfasts or lunches at school, you are blessed. You better realize that. Our neighbors are struggling every day, and we can’t turn a blind eye any longer. Jesus warns us of the consequences of ignoring those in need around us.

What Can I Do?

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus calls those righteous who minister to the hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick, and imprisoned.

It’s time to realize our Sunday worship services aren’t to show God how much we love Him. It’s to get filled with His Spirit so we can go out into the world to serve those who need to know the One who can provide everything they need: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s how God knows we love Him.

It starts by reaching out to those we usually look right past. And I’m preaching to myself. It’s super easy to buy extra cans of soup at the grocery store. Not as easy to drop my pride and judgment and help someone face-to-face.

During this difficult and uncertain time in our history, consider those less fortunate. Take a moment to celebrate your blessings, and then, from the abundance you have been given, pass it along to someone else.

And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

Matthew 10:42 (NIV)

No matter what community you live in, I guarantee there is somewhere you can donate food and household supplies. Use that Google thing. Search “local food pantries near me,” and you’ll get quite a list, I’m sure.

One of my favorites, right here in my town, is HACAP.

Celebrating a Big One

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I recently celebrated my 65th birthday. For those who haven’t yet entered the AARP years, 65 is a pretty significant number.

At age 65 (or 3 months before), most people become eligible for Medicare. But let me assure you, the organizations that sell supplemental insurance have been tracking you for years. You will begin receiving ads and official-looking letters not long into your 60s. Get a bigger recycle bin. You’ll need it.

It used to be that 65 was “the retirement year.” Not so much anymore. I won’t be retiring anytime soon, as I didn’t bother to put anything into retirement savings until I could afford to, which was well into my 50s. So I’ll be working until I’m about 86.

For those of you who are turning 40 and whining about needing glasses or that extra 10 pounds that just won’t come off…get ready for a heavy dose of reality at 65. Not only are your glasses tri-focal, but cataracts and floaters make your vision like you’re looking up through murky water.

And that extra 10 pounds becomes 40 pounds if you didn’t make some changes in your lifestyle back in your 40s and 50s. Most of us in our mid-to-late-60s have some chronic condition like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or some type of cardiovascular issue. And many of my friends sport at least one “replacement” part. Thankfully I received some great advice in my early 50s, and I have good health today, but it can all change with one slip sideways off the curb.

Take some advice from someone who is definitely older, maybe a bit wiser…

Get off your butt. Start moving while you still can. Lose a few pounds if you need to. Eat healthier. Say “no” to desserts once in a while. Choose fish or chicken when you can. Drink more water. Drink less alcohol. Don’t smoke. For God’s sake, don’t smoke.

Put down your phone and spend intentional time with your friends and family. Read good books. Spend time in nature. Meet your neighbors. Volunteer at the food pantry or homeless shelter or pass out meals at the Salvation Army. Play games with your kids (or grandkids). Start a new hobby. Get rid of the junk in your basement.

Travel now and don’t put off that big trip you want to take “someday.” Someday never comes, and then, at 65, you’re looking in the rearview mirror at all the fun trips you wish you’d done.

As I’ve aged, I’ve realized the need to learn new ways to remember things. I know I don’t have any significant cognitive decline, but I’m not too proud to admit that I can be forgetful at times. So I’ve learned ways to cope. I make lists of what I want from the grocery store. I take pictures of the new bathroom vanity I want. I write down my computer passwords. I take the card my hair stylist and chiropractor offer me that tells me when my next appointment is. I won’t lie to myself and say, “I’ll remember that,” because I won’t. Halfway to my car, I’ve already forgotten.

There is much to enjoy about this new season. I’ve become less concerned about what others think. No worries about growing out my gray hair since I did that in my 40s. I say “yes” more often for things I want to do and “no” when my social currency is spent. I wear more pink (my granddaughter’s favorite color). I continue to learn new things every day so I can be hip and cool into my 80s.

I’m grateful for every morning, spending my first hour in Scripture. I’m grateful for every evening as I lie down next to my sweet husband. I’m thankful for walking and running. Sleeping and waking. Working and playing. Growing and flourishing. Ok, 65, here we go!

Celebrating with my granddaughter

“Watch, Daddy!”

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I spent some precious time with my granddaughter (L), son, daughter-in-law, and husband yesterday walking around a downtown neighborhood. It was a gorgeous day with sunshine and higher-than-normal temperatures. The kind of day that called for ice cream, walks, and playground playing. So we did all of the above.

The playground area we encountered wasn’t much…just a few plastic logs and big mushroom shapes to climb on. Since my beautiful granddaughter is only 2-and-a-half, I carefully helped her climb up, keeping her sweet little hand in mine the whole time. But she’s a brave little thing, and once she mastered moving from object to object, she became less and less tentative. But her hand stayed attached to mine. Neither one of us was willing to let go.

Once she had made it to the highest point (about 3 feet off the ground), she smiled and basked in the glory of the “You did it!” affirmations she heard from all of us. Then Grandma would swoop her up and twirl her around before setting her feet safely on the worn mulch padding of the little play area. And I would hear, “Again!” So we did it again and again and again. I was happy to make her happy. That’s what grandmas do.

Grandma and little L holding hands, climbing up, working her way from object to object, getting to the high point, and swooping off in swirls of giggles. Soon it wasn’t enough to just have Grandma’s undivided attention. We needed everyone to focus on her accomplishments. So the chorus of “Watch, Daddy!” sounded almost before Grandma’s swirling, twirling touch down.

“Watch, Daddy!” and then “Watch, Mama!” and then “Watch, Grandpa!”

“I’m watching, baby,” confirmed Daddy…or Mama…or Grandpa, depending on which one was being called out. But she wanted to make sure.

“Are you watching me? Are you seeing me climb high? Did you watch me flying through the air? Is your attention focused on me?”

I couldn’t help but hear my own children repeating those same words when they were young. And I’m sure I did it too. We all want others to see our accomplishments and celebrate with us. And sometimes, others are looking away, or concentrating on whatever caught their attention for a moment. Honestly, we can’t expect people to be watching us 24/7, waiting for our next big moment. But…we kind of do, don’t we?

And then I remembered. We have Someone who never looks away…not even for a moment. He sees us reach the top, He watches each step, He holds our hand, He celebrates our accomplishments and mourns with us through grief and failure.

God will never leave us or forget us. He doesn’t get distracted or need to divide His attention with someone else’s problem or issue. He can pay attention to us and everyone else all at the same time!

Parents (and grandparents) do all they can to protect, provide, affirm, and celebrate, but they are only human and can’t be everywhere at once. But God can…and does. He knows what you need before you know it…and will hold your hand as you climb higher and celebrate with you all your big and little wins. Just call out to Him.

“Watch, Daddy!”