Typically, my family sits near the front of the auditorium during worship services. The other day, however, I sat towards the back with some friends since my kids were in class and my husband had security duty. As I sat there, I was struck by what I saw.
To the member who comes to class even though you are in emotional or physical pain, I see you, and you encourage me!
To the husband who is exhausted after a long day of work and still makes sure your family is seeking God's presence with your church family, I see you and am thankful for your spiritual leadership in your home.
To the mom with a child in the midst of a medical struggle, I see you and am thankful for how much you love your children and how you are teaching them to put first things first and to thank God in ALL situations, even when they are difficult.
To the elders who bear the weight of the worries of the congregation and the responsibility to guide our local flock, I see the weariness in your eyes mixed with the joy you have in God's promises. Thank you for serving Him so faithfully.
To the grandparents making sure your grandchildren are being fed God's word, I see you and pray for continued endurance and strength in this journey.
To the mom coming to services alone, I see you. I see that you are teaching your children and your husband what is most important in this life! I see your struggle, your faith, and your desire to please the LORD. Keep on keeping on, mama.
To the parents with "difficult" children, I see how hard you are working to train them up in God's way. I see your exhaustion, your frustration, your confusion, and your struggles. Keep it up!! Godly chastening WILL produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness in time.
To the new Christian soaking up God's word like a sponge, I see you and am encouraged by your love for truth and reminded of how special it is that we have God's precise words for our learning.
To the elders' wives who support your husbands when they have to make difficult decisions, I see you. I see the strain it causes when you know members are hurting, and I see the love you show for your church family and your diligence in serving others.
To the expectant mothers who are exhausted from the difficult job your bodies are doing, I see that you make the effort to be present and to learn God's word. Your example encourages me on days when I, too, am tired!
To the Bible class teachers who have spent a great deal of time and effort in preparing your lessons, I see the result of your labors and am thankful for your willingness to share your knowledge of Scripture so that we, too, might grow in truth.
To those who are single and come alone, I see you and your willingness to serve alone. I am grateful for the talents you bring to our church family and for the time you dedicate to many thankless tasks.
To the newlyweds, I see you starting your life together with the right priorities!!
To the older members who have served as godly examples for many years, I see you passing your wisdom on to those of us who are younger. I see you staying busy in God's service when it would be easy to "retire" and let others pick up the slack.
While I can see all of these things, what is more important is that GOD sees you. God knows where you are and what you are going through, and He sees your faithfulness throughout all the trials, celebrations, difficulties, and joys in your life. He sees you. He loves you. He promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you as long as you serve Him.
So, when you feel like no one sees, no one notices, no one cares... remember that I do. I see, I notice, I care. And, God sees. Always. He sees. He notices. He cares for you.
Finally, to the person in the room who is not a Christian. I see you, too, and I am thankful you are learning about God and His word. My prayer for you is that you will continue learning the truth and will choose to obey Him so that you, too, can be a recipient of His great promises. God sees you, too, and if you are diligently seeking Him, you WILL find Him! If I can help with this in any way, please ask. I would love nothing more.
