Undercover Gratitude Challenge: My Father’s Eyes

One Rule

November seems to be the unofficial month for showing gratitude and simply being grateful for it all. As I brainstormed ideas about what I wanted to do this month for the His Palette community, Undercover Gratitude popped into my head.

I thought about the “pay it forward” concept. This process is basically based on the idea that we do something incredible for someone (unable to do it themselves) without them knowing and then they do something incredible for someone else. They “pay it forward.”

Why Undercover?

Once I had the idea floating around my head, I instantly thought of the following scripture.

Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
~ Matthew 6:1-4

Undercover Gratitude is BIBLICAL! We are not to seek reward or recognition for the good deeds we do in this life.

An Old Amy Grant Song

When I was much much younger, I heard a beautifully touching song about fathers that often caused me to get teary-eyed. Though my own father didn’t necessarily fit the description in the song, I was often told I had my father’s eyes. Because of this, whenever I heard Amy Grant singing the words I would think of my dad.

Fast forward 20 plus years of life and new salvation, and I heard the song again. As an adult, who was also a Christ-follower, the song took on an entirely new meaning. I did not realize when I first heard her song that she was talking about our heavenly Father.

Lyrics

click the image to learn more about napkin decoupage

“Father’s Eyes” Performed By: Amy Grant [Released: 1979]

I may not be every mother’s dream for her little girl
And my face may not grace the mind of everyone in the world
But that’s all right as long as I can have one wish I pray
When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say

[Chorus:]
She’s got her Father’s eyes, her Father’s eyes
Eyes that find the good in things
When good is not around
Eyes that find the source of help
When help just can’t be found
Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain
Knowin’ what you’re going through, and feeling it the same
Just like my Father’s eyes
My Father’s eyes
My Father’s eyes
Just like my Father’s eyes

And on that day when we will pay for all the deeds we have done
Good and bad they’ll all be had to see by everyone
And when you’re called to stand and tell just what you saw in me
More than anything I know, I want your words to be

[Chorus]

Learn more about the napkin decoupage technique and Jane Davenports collage paper.

Some Related Verses

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
~ 1 Samuel 16:7 NASB

His eyes are on the ways of mortals;
he sees their every step.”
~ Job 34:21 NIV

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,”
~ Psalm 33:18 NIV

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,”
~ Ephesians 1:18

—THE CHALLENGE—

Find the good in at least two unlikely places/sources/people. Meditate on your gratitude for these things and journal about them. If it involves another person, do something thoughtful and/or helpful without letting anyone know.

Finishing Touch…

During this month’s challenge, we would love for you to share your Bible journaling and faith art pages with us. Whether you post on Instagram, Facebook, or any other social media, please tag #hispalette #undercovergratitudechallenge so we can see what you’ve created.

Ready, set, go!

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