For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths (Proverbs 5:21).

Does anybody notice me?  Does anyone really care about me?  Does anyone even notice which direction I'm going?  Is there anyone out there who actually cares about the choices I make?  Why does it seem like the good things I do are totally unnoticed and unappreciated -- and that only the bad things are revisited?  Is there anyone who sees me, hears me, feels for me, understands me?

Yes.  For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.

We can so easily read Proverbs 5:21 as a threat -- like a letter from the tax authorities, pressing for an audit.  We can squirm under its implications for catching the crud in our lives.  But what about the positive side of all our paths being carefully examined by the LORD?  Isn't there something very comforting and satisfying about this idea that Someone is noticing us and watching out for us?  Isn't it great to know that God notices my efforts to serve others and make wise life choices -- even if no one else in the world ever says anything about it?!?  There's something special about having such an infinite, cosmic Creator who is also intimately aware of everything happening in my day-to-day life.

I admit that it's not so nice to think about God as being Orwell's Big Brother (with capital "B"s).  But having an eternally-attentive, empathetic, and involved big brother... Now I could go for that.