by Linda Cox


Aaawwww!!!!! Their expressions were adorable. My dogs, affectionately known as the Bone Mafia, were both staring lovingly at me. Or so I thought. But then I looked more closely and I could see a difference.


Miss Chrissie was gazing directly at my face. As I handed her the morning doggie snack, she opened her mouth and allowed me to place it in her mouth, her eyes never losing contact with mine.


Mr. Nellie also appeared to be gazing directly at my face—at first. But I realized his eyes were not fixed on my eyes, but on my hand, more specifically the doggie snack. As I reached out to him, he grabbed the snack but kept staring at my hand, looking for more food.


Hmmm….. You know what. We human beings are a lot like Mr. Nellie. How often do we focus on the gifts God gives to us and NOT on the Giver of those gifts? We praise Him for what He does for us, but do we remember to just simply praise Him for Who He is? We ask for things, as He tells us to. But how many times do we just meditate on God’s attributes, or simply sit in silence before Him, soaking up the warmth of His presence?


Since the New Year is still young, this may be a good time for us to pause and reflect on what we focus on in our prayers and our praise.


The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

Psalm 145:15-16


Lord, open our eyes to see YOU first and foremost. Sharpen our focus so we see beyond Your amazing gifts, worshipping and praising You, our amazing Lord and Savior. May we rest in the assurance that You will open Your hand to provide for our needs in Your perfect way and time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.