The stare ahead. That’s what mom calls one of my most favorite moves I use to initiate play. And I suppose it’s pretty accurate whether my play mate has two legs or four. My head and eyes face straight ahead and I don’t make any eye contact. Don’t tell anyone I told you, but I’ve trained both mom and dad play along with me and act out similar behaviors. It’s my creative way of getting them to play chase with me. And it always works.
Today I got to thinking about this stare ahead and what it means for the power of the eyes. They seem to have just as much impact when they’re not looking at the subject as when they are. It reminds me a bit of this thing I’ve heard about lately called the elf on the shelf.
Apparently there is a large family of elves originally from the North Pole who, once adopted into a home, report back to Santa about the behavior of the children who live there. They leave at night to fulfill their mission, and return in a new spot each morning to resume observation duty. It sounds like a mighty important job if you ask me.
Almost as important as the original elf on the shelf. The Creator of watching without looking. The omnipresent and omnipotent “big guy” upstairs in that place called heaven. He is always watching us. And it’s no game for Him. Because (perhaps most importantly) He isn’t just seeing us. He is with us. He sees our good days and bad. He celebrates with us and cries with us. With no words at all, He crafts blessings s from teardrops. But because we can’t feel Him always looking directly at us, it can be easy to forget He’s there.
It’s very different from the stare ahead. And yet it brings me peace. Not only to know I’m always being looked after in every possible way, but in feeling empowered by that knowledge. I’ve always had my reasons for playing the stare ahead game. And while those won’t be changing any time soon, my perspective of my surroundings certainly will. Because just as I know the big guy in that place called heaven is watching over me, I know He would want me to watch over others in my own way very different from that of the elf on the shelf.
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“They might not need me, but they might,” wrote great American poet Emily Dickinson. “I’ll let my head be just in sight; a smile as small as mine might be precisely their necessity.”
Wiley's Wisdom 
We always need you, Wyles and, just as important, we always want you (and all your scattered s’s) 🙂 I like this idea of the Elf on the Shelf – is this new? I’ve been hearing it here and there. I find your telling of the Creator to be of great comfort. That baby is one very lucky child coming in with you already the Guardian Angel. Best ~ HuntMode
You’ve done it again, friend. You’ve touched my heart with your words! You’re gifted in this area. 😉 My understanding is the Elf on the Shelf idea was around before and it’s coming back into the limelight now…I think they call it vintage…? Nonetheless, I appreciate your words about me being a guardian angel – that’s the idea! 🙂
Lots of love,
Wyles
We’re being watched from all angles, Wiles. Not in a bad way, but in that way that feels safe and good and warm. Plus I hope that Elf doesn’t tell Santa lies about me……
Love and licks,
Cupcake
The funny thing about that word angles is that it only takes a teeny tiny swap to turn it into angels. We are being watched by angels who keep us safe. You made my mom giggle with your idea about that elf telling lies about you….I’m certain there is only truth to be told. 😉
Lots of love,
Wiles
Wiley, What I love most about this post is that you’ve proven the lack of necessity for the Elf on a Shelf “new” tradition….I don’t like it…..
Thank you! And (while I’m still not sure whether my parents agree) I’m on your side. 🙂
Lots of love,
Wiles
I like the way you think, Wiley. Forget about the Elf on a Shelf (kind of creepy if you ask me). The real meaning of Christmas is all about love and you have plenty of love to share. 🙂
I agree with you about the elf idea being kind of creepy….it was even confirmed today by a little person friend of mine named Sophie so I know it must be true. 🙂 You’re right about the love I have to share too…who needs presents and money and ribbons when you have love? That’s my doggie opinion at least.