The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121: 5-8, NIV
We had just arrived at an Airbnb tucked away in the Minnesota woods, a fishing vacation for our family of four plus my in-laws. My fifteen-year-old son, Adam, wasted no time in finding a kayak and hauling it down the incline to the small lake that created the property line. He was eager to catch fish that we can’t find in North Dakota. Full speed ahead, he called over his shoulder as he pushed the kayak into the water, “I’m too young to need a fishing license.”
After driving for half the day, I was ready for a walk and invited my mother-in-law and daughter, Abby, along. Too old for a free fishing pass, Abby watched her younger brother paddle away from the dock.
She considered my invitation but declined, “I think someone should watch over Adam.”
I glanced out at his five-foot-eleven teenage frame, happily casting, unaware that he should be watched over.
My mother-in-law and I put on our tennis shoes and went exploring, out of the woods, down the highway a bit, and onto a gravel road. When we eventually wound our way back down to the dock, we found Abby still sitting cross-legged, watching each cast with protective, patient eyes. And her brother was still oblivious that his existence to her was precious, watched over, and held with love. He had no idea she’d sacrificed her own will that evening for his.
I felt the weight of that patient and watchful love. Though unnoticed, unacknowledged, and unreturned, it remained steadfast. In that moment, I thanked the Lord that even in our oblivion, He never stops watching over us, loving us, and patiently waiting to rescue us.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithful and watchful love. May we never take it for granted. This school year, help us point co-workers, students, and families toward the rescue and restoration available only through Your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright Kristi Shanenko.
Kristi is a Christian Educators member and a high school English teacher who lives in North Dakota.
