I remember my daughter, who was in first grade, running home with a picture she had colored. It was wonderfully messy, yet I appreciated it for the joy she had put into and the love with which she shared it.
I think God views our acts of faith like that first grader art project. As we pray this famous prayer from Thomas Merton, dwell in the mind and heart of God. Picture Him smiling down on you like that proud parent, not because you’re perfect, but because you are loved.
My Lord God I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.