Always in His Eyesight

O Lord, You have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise..Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Psalm 139:1-2, 7-8 (NIV)

Every summer my husband and I enjoy going to county fairs and farm shows. However, each time we walk through a poultry barn, I become very uncomfortable as childhood memories of life on a farm with a rooster come back to haunt me.

Growing up on my grandparents' dairy farm, I was used to being around lots of animals such as cows, chickens, dogs and cats. But being around that large, mean Rhode Island Red rooster was something I never wanted to get used to. When we first got the rooster, things were okay because he usually stayed near the chicken house with the chickens. But as time passed, the rooster started exploring more areas of the farm and thought he was boss. He started investigating the sheds, the barn, the front yard, and even the back porch!

This was when our troubles started. The rooster had a reputation of attacking people. To walk from the house to the barn, it was necessary to carry a stick to defend yourself. He had a habit of running out of nowhere to chase a person to his or her destination. For example, one day as I was walking past the chicken house on my way to the barn, I thought I was safe because I didn't see the rooster anywhere. But suddenly I heard something behind me. It was the rooster chasing me! I ran to the barn as quickly as I could and waited there until someone could come rescue me; someone with a stick!

From that day on I was determined to stay as far away from that rooster as possible. I used different routes to walk from the house to the barn so that the rooster wouldn't see me. These routes included sneaking through the apple orchard, the pasture field, or anything else I could think of. Yet, no matter what route I took, that rooster must have been able to see me and know where I was because he would often be waiting for me when I got to my destination.

As I remember that rooster today, I'm reminded of an important lesson from scripture. Just like I was never out of that rooster's eyesight, I am never out of God's sight. He sees me no matter where I am. I cannot hide from His view. Yet, instead of this being a negative thing like it was with the rooster, it is a wonderful thing! Knowing that I am always in God's sight brings me comfort and assurance as it reminds me of God's love and care. May you know this comfort and assurance also - today and every day.

Thank you, God for watching over me no matter where I am or what I am doing. May I never try to hide from your presence.

Beth Wehr