When our father is watching

            I heard a wonderful story on the radio I would like to relate to you.  I hope it inspires you as much as it did me.

            "There was a boy who went to college and went out for the football team.  He made the team, but was never really good enough to play in the games.  But he tried hard and suited up for every game.

            Throughout his four years at the school the boy became known for two things: his dedication to the team and his relationship with his father.  His father would visit him frequently and they would be seen walking arm in arm through the campus, deep in conversation.

            Well, in the boy's fourth year of school, during the football season, his father passed away.  The coach was notified and asked to relay the news to the boy.  The boy was very upset and went home for the funeral. 

            He was back in time for the next game and suited up as usual.  During the game he went to the coach and said, 'Coach, I've been on the team now for four years and have never gotten a chance to play.  Could you put me in for just a few minutes?'

            The coach figured it wouldn't hurt if he went in for a few minutes and thought it might help take his mind off his father.  Well the boy played like the coach had never seen.  He was amazed at what this boy was doing on the field.  He had never seen anyone play like that before.  So he kept him in for the rest of the game.

            When the game was over the coach approached the boy and said, 'Son, in the four years you've been on this team I have never seen you play like that.  How were you able to play like that today?  I want an explanation.'

            The boy replied, 'Well coach what you didn't know about my father was that he was blind.  And today is the first day he has ever seen me play.'

            I still have goose bumps.  When we think of our Father in heaven looking down upon us it shouldn't be in fear of condemnation.  We shouldn't be thinking, "I'd better watch what I do because He is watching."  We should rather be striving to do our best to please Him.  Like the boy in the story we should find great strength and ability knowing that our Father is watching us and is pleased with our efforts.

SDG