John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Having made a couple of pictures of my three friends, this one came to my mind. How quickly togetherness seems to be overshadowed. Some rain, dark clouds, lots of cold wind and many humors turn sour. Virtue often isn't so much a quality of character, but of a well filled belly and a sunny sky. (Quoting C. S. Lewis very freely.) Trouble will show what someone is made of. In trouble true character, true virtue will shine through. Everybody is kind of a nice person as long as nothing stands in his way or is clouding his mind. It is in contrariety that the true colors shine through. But be of good cheer. Those, who are truly God's children, they will stand even in the midst of torrents of rain and twisted storms, ripping life apart like a tornado rips a house apart. As much as the house doesn't need it, the character does. Thus proven it can continue to grow closer to God. So, God's word says there will be trouble. However it will be spelt. It is how someone stands the storm that will show his firm beliefs. Those truly walking with God will not fall. They will be able to find shelter in God's shadow. Then, and only then, many will find, what David found so many years ago: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Ps 23:4)

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.

When I live, I live always watched by someone immensly greater than I am. I have tried to picture it here. Compared to God I am such a small entity. It is a miracle that he cares. That he is watching. Have you read: "Big brother is watching you?" There is someone watching us all. And weighting every word, every geste, every thought. Not to speak of bold actions or shameful dealings. He knows. Always.
Sometimes it seems like I expect him to understand, like the dog still wags his tail even when I come home too late. To always be on my side. He is. But in his own way. That includes sometimes not liking what he sees.
If what I do would be seen by the one person I love most or fear most, would I still be o.k with it? If everybody knew, as everybody will know, what my life is made of, will I still be proud and think it a good thing?
I often try to stay in that thought when I need to make a decision. If I looked into the eyes of the world, of God, of all those I love, would I still want to be known for having done this? For having lived my life the way I do?
Do you? Can all you do stand in front of the one, who can stand firm in front of you? The one who knows it all? Sometimes this thought scares me. Like a sparrow am I? Just a little more? Do you know how many sparrows die each moment? Could I die knowing it is God's will by still giving him praise? KNowing he is watching me fall and die?

Can you?