Article by Carol Fisher,
Pastor New Covenant Presbyterian Church

I LOVE hotdogs! Some brands rise above others which won’t get me as a repeat customer. But, if it looks like a hotdog, chances are, I’m buying. A former parishioner told me once of visiting a hot dog plant – watching what went into the ballgame/campfire/convenience store menu staple that led him never to eat a hot dog again. Personally, I’ve never been, so I’m still enjoying a hot dog now and again.

I’m not denying that lots of cow and pig parts find a new home in my frankfurters. I’m not naïve enough to think my Oscar Mayer or Hebrew National or Ball Park is as pure as the ribeye steak I occasionally enjoy. But it doesn’t matter because I daresay I will always love my dogs.

It’s nice to know that God feels the same way about us. Lots of stuff that I’d rather not have show up on the “ingredient list” that goes into making my life. And I imagine that the same goes for your life.

Stupid mistakes that ruin relationships and dissolve families. Intentional self-serving decisions wrapped in an outer shell of “love” as if selfishness wasn’t the main ingredient. Secret parts of our lives that we hope no one discovers and seek to self-justify when they do.

God looks at us and knows about all the fillers and trashy parts in our lives. And yet, our heavenly Father ONLY SEES JESUS – his perfection – his obedient nature – his totally selfless demeanor – IN US.

I am reminded of the song by Bette Midler – From a Distance. Here are the printed words so you can reflect on their meaning for you…

From a distance, the world looks blue and green
And the snow-capped mountains white
From a distance, the ocean meets the stream
And the eagle takes to flight

From a distance, there is harmony
And it echoes through the land
It’s the voice of hope
It’s the voice of peace
It’s the voice of every man
From a distance, we all have enough
And no one is in need
And there are no guns, no bombs, and no disease
No hungry mouths to feed

From a distance, we are instruments
Marching in a common band
Playing songs of hope
Playing songs of peace
They’re the songs of every man

God is watching us
God is watching us
God is watching us
From a distance

From a distance, you look like my friend
Even though we are at war
From a distance, I just cannot comprehend
What all this fighting’s for

From a distance, there is harmony
And it echoes through the land
And it’s the hope of hopes
It’s the love of loves
It’s the heart of every man

It’s the hope of hopes
It’s the love of loves
This is the song for every man

And God is watching us
God is watching us
God is watching us
From a distance

As I reflect on the concept of God seeing and knowing EVERYTHING about us, it is hard to comprehend. How can God be that intimately involved with each and every one of his creations, and still love us? Amazing. And yet, dear friends, one of my church members sent me a picture of our church, taken as the sun was setting. She was in awe of how the sun shone through 2 columns on our breezeway, and it made her – and me – notice how it was as if God was watching us. Perhaps you may feel the same way as you look on the beauty God creates, and be in awe as you reflect on how much God loves you and is watching over you.

I believe that God is always watching over us but what a wonderful reminder of how much God cares, loves, and wants to be involved in our lives. May you take comfort, peace and serenity in that knowledge.

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