Non-verbal communication is powerful. The study of body language, called kinesics, analyzes facial expressions, gestures, and body movements. A nod of the head, raising an eyebrow, or rolling the eyes can communicate much more than words. A wink, for example, can be a non-verbal gesture of agreement or approval. It can also be a flirtatious gesture or a creepy advance. So much can be communicated in an instant with just a glance.
From an early age, I became aware of my father’s non-verbal communication. He was a very loving, caring father, with great wisdom and a wonderful sense of humor. But one thing my siblings and I did not need a body language expert for was to analyze “The Look” my dad gave us on certain occasions. “The Look” needed no words. It didn’t need sound, arm gesticulation, or any form of body movement. “The Look” carried undeniable, almost tangible authority, and commanded our undivided attention and response. “The Look” occurred when we were misbehaving or on the verge of doing something childish and foolish. All my father had to do was give us “The Look,” and we froze. Attitudes changed, childish behavior slid off into a puddle of humiliation, and even tears could well up, depending on the level of guilt and remorse. “The Look” was an effective parental tool my father used to quietly adjust or change our behavior. Without saying a word.
God doesn't miss a thing — He's alert to good and evil alike, Proverbs 15:3 (MSG) says. It seemed like my father didn’t miss a thing, either, but in reality, he wasn’t omniscient or omnipresent, so he did miss seeing and adjusting some of our mistakes and misbehavior. God doesn’t miss a thing. With a gentle nudge of His Holy Spirit, we can sense “The Look” of our Heavenly Father adjusting or correcting us. Lightning bolts and fire don’t need to fall on us. The Lord should rarely, if ever, have to use earthquakes and rumblings to get our attention.
And, because our Heavenly Father is omniscient and omnipresent, He sees and rewards our positive responses to His gentle correction for, the eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers (1 Peter 3:12 NLT). I’m glad He’s always looking, and I’m thankful for “The Look”.
© 2020, Chris Werre
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