And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s. (1 Corinthians 11:1, N.L.T.)

I feel led of the Lord to use this post to share something that I didn’t write. The piece I’ll borrow is primarily aimed at parents, but most of it can also speak to grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, or really anyone who has spends time around a young person, whether that young person be a family member or not. I offer the piece as both an encouragement and a motivation. I would gladly give full credit to its author by name, but it is only attributed to an anonymous “young adult.” Here we go:

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator; and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat; and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me; and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer; and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick; and I learned that we have to help take care of one another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing; and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it; and I learned that we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel well; and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grew up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes; and I learned that sometimes things hurt and that it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared; and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, “Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”