Over a million people sat glued watching April the Giraffe on YouTube for two months STRAIGHT anticipating the arrival of new life. April did not have a visible audience, only fans and critics alike seeing her behind a screen for themselves or hearing others talk about her.
These pictures are not actually of April, they are ones I took at a place called Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC. If you are in or around North Carolina, this place is so worth the drive! We LOVE going there to see the many animals. The highlight each time for my kids is feeding the giraffes!
You Are Being Watched
I can compare April to my own life and to people all around the world. We have NO clue how often others are zoned in watching our lives. We even have some who hear about us from others only to make critical judgments.
April had fooled even the closest to her, her caregivers who thought they had witnessed the conception 2 months prior to when the conception REALLY happened. She didn’t intentionally fool them, they just didn’t see everything that had been going on behind closed doors.
The Fans and the Critics
Some, like myself, to be honest, didn’t understand what all the hype was about. I have friends who have watched since the very beginning. They have missed some, considering you have got to sleep sometime in two months, but they have watched as much as possible.
Do you realize you are the same as April? You have people who are in constant watch of your every move without you even knowing.
There are some who watch because they see a gem within you that you may not even understand. Others, just want to be “in the know”. Then, of course, you have those who just want to laugh about your life. The only time they care about you is when they can find something to criticize or laugh about.
Of all those people, the ones who see the true gem inside will be the ones who will also be the witness to those precious moments that others are either too busy to see or just don’t care to see.
April was a nobody to most people.
Had you ever heard of April the giraffe before these last few months?! Did you even know there was a place called Animal Adventure Park?! I sure didn’t. You may not be rich or famous but there will always be people watching.
April had a lot of attention. A lot of eyes focused on her but it was not because of April. The focus was on her because there was something special inside her. It is taking a while (a LONG while) for those to SEE what that something special looks like.
Pain is Often What Forms You to YOU
April the Giraffe only knew that her mate, Oliver, and her caretakers were there. We may feel all alone like no one cares. I’m thankful that I have a God in Heaven who understands my life. He knows how all the pains and trials work together to make ME, ME!
April dealt with pain. She was uncomfortable. She was even out of her normal environment….. all for this special thing inside her to one day be able to come to light. Those watching her might could feel bad for her pain but they could not FEEL her pain. All our pains are unique and very real.
Do you feel like you have been through the pain and suffering that this life seems to bring?! Do you feel like there are more people criticizing you than cheering you on? It may take a while but one of these days, you will finally get to see why you had to deal with the pain. The blessings will come. The pain may linger for a bit but once you see the blessing… you will quickly forget all the pain it brought you.
Keep holding on. Keep pressing forward. Let those who want to talk, talk. Stand tall and give it all you’ve got. At just the right time, everything will make sense to you and those watching!
And, April still hasn’t had her baby!!
On a real note, I love this post and how it compares. We must be aware of our actions because people may be watching, and we do have a God that loves us at all times.