When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

I know this poem has been around the internet for awhile, but it came to mind this morning:

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

"When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but its all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say,

"Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

~Author Unknown~
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To my own parents:

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw the light on in the kitchen in the wee hours of the morning as you studied your BSF lessons,
and I learned that God's Word is worth getting up for.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you preparing delicious meals for our family,
and I learned that time around the table is important.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make room in our home one night for a woman and her baby whom you met, stranded at the airport,
and I saw how warm hospitality blesses people.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you financially supported the work of missionaries all around the world,
and I learned that it is a privilege to do our part to help gather God's family.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw both of you kneeling by your bed, praying. I heard you pray for my future spouse. I am blessed by the answer to that prayer every single day.

When you thought I wasn't listening (as an eye-rolling teenager) you taught me how to read through the Psalms and Proverbs each month, a practice I still follow to this day. It's what I was doing this morning when God brought to mind so much that you modeled for me when you thought I wasn't looking.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for always pointing me to God's Word.

~Author: your grateful daughter~