I see you.
I see in the grocery store, with three little ones in tow.
The baby is crying, yet somehow you keep your cool. You are doing your best to
get the groceries you need for the next two weeks of meals. It is obvious your
children feel loved and secure.
I see you at the park, pushing your child in the swing.
You’re sometimes in sweats and sometimes dressed up, but you are there. You
smile as your child giggles and squeals with each push. And in that moment, all
the work and effort of getting to the park was worth it.
I see you out on stroller walks, sometimes walking up and
down the street several times. You take the time to point out the bugs and
flowers to your toddler. You breathe in the fresh air, and take a moment to
feel the sunshine on your face. It’s likely been a few days since you were able
to make it out, and you are sure to relish the freedom of being outside.
I see you in the airport, exhausted and depleted. Yet, you
persevere and portray a strength only mothers are capable of. You rock your
restless child in your arms until your arms are numb, but you do it with love
and compassion.
I see you at Mcdonald’s, snapping pictures and carrying on
child-like conversations. You talk about the important things and the silly
things. The purpose of your visit isn’t for you but for them. Your kids look to
you for comfort and go back to playing.
I see you in the middle of the night, nursing a baby or
comforting a sick child. Your hair is a mess, but you don’t care. You would
give up anything for your child, including countless nights of sleep.
I see you at church, and know how much effort went into
getting your family there. Bathing the kids, getting them fed and ready,
changing diapers, doing their hair, packing the snacks, and barely making it
there on time. And once you are there, oftentimes you are out in the hall with
a child. Yet, you still attend church week after week, because you know it
matters.
But, I’m not the only one who sees you. And I’m not the only
one who sees me.
Our Father in Heaven sees us. Every second of sacrifice we give, He sees. He
sees us on a scale far more compassionate, loving, and merciful than any of us
can comprehend. He loves us more than we could ever love ourselves. He sees us
through the eyes of a parent, for he truly is our Father.
I love these beautiful truths shared by Dieter F. Uchtdorf,
