Just because you didn’t hear it, doesn’t mean your Father didn’t say it.

A few months ago, I was at a friendly football match between a mixed group of men; teenagers, kids, adults. I’ve got neither appreciation nor understanding about this game where a bunch of men run behind a Dalmatian-like ball. So the only reason that got me there was for my husband’s sake, and I was lured by the ambition to improve my skills in sport photography.  By the end of the 3-hour match, improving my skills remained unachieved, because I was too busy hiding behind 6-foot-tall men to save myself and my camera from the flying football that was completely out of control. But one thing stuck with me, even after 3 months, and will continue to stay with me for many days to come.

When it was another team’s turn to match, a 12-year boy was in the game, while his father was catching his breath after his own game. I strategically chose to stand between this 6-foot tall man and my husband. Just in case a stray football comes my way, I’ve got myself covered you see. Throughout the match, everyone was cheering and supporting literally everyone in the game. Halfway during the match, this 12-year old boy made many attempts at scored a goal, and eventually succeeded. His father, who was standing next to me, cheered the son each time, clapped his hands and said, “Well done son, I’m proud of you”.

The boy was half way across the indoor football stadium; there were about 18 people in the match, one referee with an annoying whistle, and probably about 40 other people all around yelling, cheering, screaming, and talking. My point is, there is absolutely no chance this boy heard what his father said. I swiftly turned to look at the father; he was beaming with so much pride. But as for the son, he just carried on with the game. He was oblivious to what how his father was reacting.

But just because the kid didn’t see it or hear it, doesn’t mean the father didn’t say it or feel it. The father was proud of his son, and he expressed it, but he didn’t need his son to know that at that point.

That resonated with me. Isn’t it the same with God? As our Heavenly Father, He is proud of our achievements or attempts, regardless of whether successful or not. He is standing by the side, telling us, “I’m proud you my boy!” or “Well done my girl!” but most of the time we don’t hear or see it because of all the distractions all around us.

Just because you didn’t hear it, doesn’t mean your Father didn’t say it. He is proud of you.