Have You Seen God Lately?

Working as an online math teacher, life has been hectic these past few weeks. Not only does the end of the school year lend it’s way to a certain kind of stress (ask any teacher) but many of my students are seniors needing to take my class in addition to their regular school load and in time for graduation. It is easy to become preoccupied in our own worlds with all the deadlines, tasks, and responsibilities that call, but God is good and everything was put back into perspective.

To brighten my busy week my husband brought me home a bouquet of flowers that have opened slowly but so beautifully over the past few days. It is amazing how elegant the flowers have become. In the lulls of the storm and terrible weather that sweep through this weekend, I was able to endlessly watch a multitude of parakeets, cardinals, and blue jays feeding at the bird feeder, a flock of black birds feasting in a lychee tree, a family of ducks swimming in the water and eating in the yards, squirrels with bushy tails running through the yard, and butterflies whimsically dancing around. Despite every creature being drenched, all of creation seemed joyful and full of life. I wish you could have seen and heard what I experienced this weekend. (My family probably got tired of the lengthy videos of these friends sent through text.)

It did not look like life should have been so easy for the birds as they were drenched at the bird feeder and in the trees, but they were chirping, singing, eating, and dancing in the air. The colorful blooms on the counter, the palm fronds swaying in the breeze, and all the creatures enjoying life itself was a simple reminder to me that God is the creator and is in control of everything as all of His creation was living without a care.

It’s easy to see God in the sunny days and sunsets but God is also evident even in the storms. As I sat down to write this blog, I thought about how differently I deal with the stress of my week compared to the rest of these reminders I witnessed. Then I thought of the importance of the weekend itself; being a time to reflect on those who died in service for our country. Memorial Day honors all the men and women who died in battle as they fought for us so that we are able to live freely. Although I am grateful for all the service personnel and don’t take that for granted, I couldn’t help but also think that Jesus Christ first died in battle on our behalf so we could live freely.

I was told this weekend that I “throw the bright side onto everything.” I guess I take that as a compliment and I pray that you too will be able to see your circumstances through God’s eyes. The next time it is raining, look around you and marvel at His creation. Learn of His patience and grace that can only be experienced in the storm. Bloom beautifully for His glory, sing and worship Him always, sway and dance in His presence, and remember it was because Jesus Christ gave His life we can live freely, …. and ultimately God is in control!

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20 (NLT)