Someone is watching. Most of us can be on good behavior when we know we are being observed. But what about all the times we are not conscious of anyone watching? Noted author and speaker Dr. Larry Crabb relates a story about a man who grew up in a disheartening home environment.
When this man was a boy, he experienced little positive interaction with his family. He hated mealtime because it was a time when the whole family was together and a lot of yelling occurred. At such times, he finished his dinner as fast as he could, and left. His parents didn’t care because they didn’t want him around anyway.
When this boy escaped his own house at mealtime, he went next door. The neighboring house had a big old-fashioned porch which he would climb under and just sit and listen. He listened to the sounds of the neighbors’ mealtime–happy sounds, sounds of people who loved and cared about each other. As he sat and listened, it gave him hope that someday he could be a part of a family like that.
That story disturbs me. First, it fills me with pathos for that little boy, and I am left wondering if he was able to fit into a better family situation as an adult. But also, I can’t help thinking about all the people that listen to or observe us when we are not aware they are watching. What kinds of impressions do we make when our guard is down?
We really don’t know what aspects of our lives are being pondered by others. Things that seem insignificant and are soon forgotten by us may have profound effects on people we don’t even know. Things such as a conversation in a restaurant, how we relate to a spouse or a friend, or how we discipline a child can all leave their mark. Our reactions when we experience a disappointment or an inconvenience–unconscious acts that speak volumes about who we really are–are seen and considered.
Whether we like it or not, other people notice our behavior more than we think they do.
The family next door in Dr. Crabb’s story probably had no idea of the effect they had on that little boy’s life.
It is unsettling for me to think about people sitting under the porch listening to my family conversations. Most of the time they would hear the happy sounds of a family that loves and cares about each other. But sometimes it would sound like we don’t.
Whether anyone else is watching us or not, Someone is watching. God never takes His eyes off of us. He is always watching. He knows our hearts and our thoughts as well as our behavior. He knows our motives. He knows all the whys and whens of our actions. If we can learn to live to please Him, we won’t have to worry about the kid who might be sitting under the porch.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 NIV
How does it motivate you to know Someone is watching? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2025 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by Gretta Blankenship from Pixabay
This is spot on! Something we all should remember!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Kathie.