IS GOD SMILING?
Today's reading:  Proverbs 16

"When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain."  Proverbs 16:15 NLT

It doesn't happen as often as it once did, but on occasion our son will glance over at Dale or I just to receive some affirmation in regards to what he is doing.

He will raise his eyebrow in such a way that we know he's asking, How am I doing?  We'll give a smile or a nod or raise our eyebrows back hoping he'll catch on to the fact that there's some improvement needing to be made.

Times like when he was learning to walk.  Reaching out to touch something that had been placed off limits.  Learning to ride his bike.  Walking too close to the road.  Performing in a program at church.  Mowing the yard the first few times, with a nervous Mom watching from the porch.  Practicing his magic tricks for the one hundredth time.

It used to happen a lot more often.  At age 12, he tends to think he knows more and needs us less.  And to a degree he is right, that's just the nature of growing up.

Makes me wonder why I don't seek God's smile in regards to more of the things I involve myself in. 

Just a quick glance His way.  A simple prayer.  A slowing down of what I'd like to rush headlong into just to get His take on the issue.

There's a good possibility I don't want His response on some occasions.  There are the times I want to do it my own way.  There are days when I want it to occur in my time frame, and not have to wait.  There are also the times when I'm doing something grand 'for the Lord' in an effort to ignore something else He's asked me to do.

Just a glance in His direction will let my heart know if I'm on the right path--or not.

God's smile and the refreshing it brings is something I need more of, even at this age!