“Watch me!” my daughter yelled from the hill at the park. Not tearing my eyes away from the conversation I was having with another parent, I replied, “I’m watching, honey!” And smart little girl that she is, my daughter returned, “No, Mom – look at me!”

I often try to give my children my focus, eye contact, my warmth. I should, I’m their mom! But it’s hard. I get distracted, overwhelmed, and I’m often running on empty.

The same thing happens with my relationship with God. I say I’m listening, that I’m paying attention, that I really focused on my morning devotion. But how often am I just giving him half of me, or less – distracted, divided, multitasking? My sinful heart is prone to wander. I elevate other voices, other tasks, other priorities. And in doing so, I sin against the One who gave me everything.

God should turn away. But instead, he turned toward me in mercy.

Because of Jesus, we stand in grace. Justified. Forgiven. Loved. Not because we earned his attention, but because he gave it freely on the cross. And through the empty tomb now we have peace with God. Even in our suffering, amidst the chaos, and in our distraction, God’s Spirit pours hope into our hearts like a steady stream.

That’s the mystery and majesty of our God: He gives us his full, undivided attention. In the classroom. At home. In our mess. And when we stop, even briefly, to give him our hearts in return, he fills us with peace that no noise can interrupt.

So, pause. Breathe. Stand in his grace. And when a little one tugs on your sleeve for attention, remember: you’re reflecting the same love your Father has shown you – patient, present, and full of peace.