“Look at me, Mama, look at me!” The delighted cry reverberated across the playground as my happy children enjoyed the swings with my mom. For some reason, hearing their voices request my attention gripped my heart in a fresh way; it was poignant because they wanted me to share in their joy and to validate their experience. I also realized that it is the cry of my heart and that of every human on this planet called Earth. It’s not a desire to be on center stage, but rather a desire to be seen, heard, and known.

As humans created in the image of God, we crave community. In fact, it is pivotal to our survival and the shaping of our identity. We determine our norms and set our standards according to the reaction of those around us – good or bad.  And so, when we go unnoticed we often feel invisible at worst, directionless at best. From the newest newborn to the oldest adult, our voices ever cry, “Look at me!”

“Look at me!” squeals the young child who has just figured out how to zip zippers and button buttons.

“Look at me!” screams the purple hair and pierced nostril of the lonely teenager.

“Look at me!” pleads the exhausted mother trying to hold in the tears and hold together the home.

“Look at me!” says the work-weary husband who is trying to give his best to home, work, family, and marriage.

“Look at me!” whispers the frail nursing home resident waiting for a visitor who never comes.

“Look at me!” declares the Creator God.

This longing cry to be noticed and affirmed echoes our Creator’s heart.  He beckons us to look to him for hope, joy, meaning, purpose, and salvation.  We were designed to look to Him first and foremost and until we do, no matter how few or many people recognize and affirm our existence, we will always be longing for more.