It was a full weekend.

I was a wife, a mother, a writer, a reader…

a baker, a chef, a snow-shoveler, a stuffed animal surgeon…

a babysitter, a basketball mom…

a runner, a {disappointed} football fan, a worshipper and child of the Great I Am.

And right in the middle of it all, as I was enjoying myself but also looking around for some sort of approval or pat on the back for all those little and not-so-little things we moms and dads do in the course two, too-short weekend days, God gently whispered to me…

I see you.

I was shoveling at the moment and that little whisper took my breath away.

Analog weekends have been a struggle for me to follow strictly, not because I want an escape from being present with my family, but because I like the approval and recognition that social media brings. Yep, I like to be validated. Having another mom “like” my picture or comment on my status is like a big high five in the middle of my day. And that’s not always bad, but when they become more important than being present, well, then we have a problem…

Those three words were what I needed right when I needed them. From my audience of One.

His whisper this weekend brought me to a new place – a place where I WANT to be free of the need for recognition. A new place where He alone can fill my need for validation, for approval, for love.

Sweet mama, as you start this week where you may not hear one single thank you for all the diapers changed and clothes washed and countless other deeds done, He sees you. He delights in you. He loves you.

And He’s the only high five you need.

O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
    even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too great for me to understand!