North American River Otter / Lutra canadensis

 

Who are you when no one is looking?

These wild otters were surprised when I slipped into their Florida river habitat. I heard them chirping before I saw them. I watched them for a few seconds before they noticed me. When they looked up from the river's edge I froze this moment in time.  River otters are mostly active at night so this was a fortuitous occasion.

For a moment they returned my gaze, but only briefly.  Sensing no threat, they got back to their business...which apparently involves a lot of play.

Did you ever wonder about the behavior of people you "catch" when they don't think anyone sees them? I often wonder about the impression I make when I don't know I'm under observation.

I'm not concerned about the commonplace - like the time I was singing in my car and noticed the people in the car next to me watching in stunned amazement, or the time I decided to count my strides in a mile (out loud) and failed to notice the kid standing in the yard staring at me (mouth wide open) as I "counted" my way past.  I'm not talking about stuff like that.

I'm wondering about the impression I leave when I don't see the people who are watching me...
     - resolve a conflict over the phone.
     - discipline a child.
     - touch my wife.
     - drive my car.
     - shop for groceries.
     - worship.
     - watch a movie with friends.
     - eat with my family at a restaurant.
     - play on the riverbank with a friend.

What is the example I'm setting? 
What do people see when they look at me when I'm not on?
Am I living the life I should?

I want to. 

So I'm training to learn the steps God has choreographed for my life. I'm studying. I'm following Christ's lead. My partner is Jesus and I'm determined to walk in His steps. If I do that, my example will be positive.

Lord, make it so.

There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God's Message to you that I became your father. I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself. (1 Corinthians 4:15-16)