He Sees You

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,

“Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love. God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes.

“Dear sisters, many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself…In the meantime, be thankful for all the small successes in your home, your family relationships, your education and livelihood, your Church participation and personal improvement…These successes may seem tiny to you and they may go unnoticed by others, but God notices them and they are not small to Him. If you consider success to be only the most perfect rose or dazzling orchid, you may miss some of life’s sweetest experiences.”

My momma heart takes such courage in these comforting words! Heavenly Father loves us, even though we struggle and make mistakes. He is aware of every single small sacrifice we offer as mothers. He will NEVER forget us, just as we could never forget our own children. May we each open our hearts to feel God’s love and see ourselves the way He sees us. May we continue doing the “small and simple” things that matter most, for God will bless us every step of the way. May we be patient and compassionate towards others, and especially towards ourselves.

He lovingly sees us—may we never forget.