eyes

{joshua was helping me take pictures of myself as i tried on dresses the other day. for a..um...very special event coming up ;-) i took a few of myself in the mirror - trying to get certain details. and i was doing a horrible job. but when i looked at my pictures later and saw this one, i smiled. i love him there in the background, our eyes meeting in the mirror. all of this has nothing to do with this post.}

even with about 3 hours of sleep this morning, He got me out of bed at 5 am.
He knew i needed to put my eyes on Him.
{and, really, at the point, what is another hour of sleep going to do for me? i'm going to be tired whether i get 3 or 4 hours of sleep.}
i knew today was a recipe for disaster...little sleep...lots to do...lots on my mind to get in line for the days ahead...lots of kids that needed me to be GOOD and not tired.

i knew He was going to have to get me through.

i wish i can say that it's been a great day.
it hasn't.
i've failed. and not just once.
i've spoken harshly. not looked with kind eyes. been impatient.

but every time i put my eyes back on Him, do you know what??


He is there with NO condemnation. I am the one that condemns myself. 
He is there with loving eyes, outstretched arms, forgiveness, grace, understanding.

locking my eyes on Him is the only way to get through this day. and, truly, every day, right??