I was ten years old.
With the helicopter blades still whirring, the President walked out, hand on his head, to give me the best news.
“I’ve come to invite you to join me for an award ceremony in your honor,” he said loudly.
I pointed to my chest. “Me?” My mouth hung open.
He beamed yes. The blades quieted. He knelt to get on my level and explained that my stellar lawn mowing skills had been noticed and were cause for recognition. He looked to the large field I had finished trimming and waved his hand across it as evidence.
Man that felt good.
I can recall that day and see me paused alone in the field visualizing my fantasy. My parents were occupied in the house unaware of the honor I was being bestowed.
I was a boy with a big imagination, great mowing skills, and a deep desire to be seen. If the President said I was valuable, I would no longer doubt it.
I suspect I’m alone in my specific fantasy (if I’m not, please let me know!), but I know I’m in good company with others who want to be noticed, acknowledged, and celebrated. It is an innate longing.
Curt Thompson, Author of The Soul of Shame, said, “We all are born into the world looking for someone looking for us, and we remain in this mode of searching for the rest of our lives.”
Why did God create us this way?
I believe it is so we will seek his face, and upon finding it, hold his gaze.
Fortunately, God loves looking at us and rejoices over us. Zepheniah 3:17b says, “He will exult over you with loud singing.” How crazy is that?! I’ll have to take His word for it.
The next time you scan the room for someone looking back at you, whether a boss with a nod of approval, a loved one with an expression of care, or another guy with a look of longing, enjoy the certainty that God sees you, delights in you, and invites you into his presence without fail.
And if you run into the President, tell him hi for me. 😉