This evening, I’m starting the Stepwise Faith-Filled life course. As part of the preparations for the first session, we’ve been asked to reflect on where we’ve seen God this week (and to continue this as an ongoing reflection).
In all honesty, my first thought was that I don’t think I’ve really stopped to consider at any point this week where God was at work. I’ve been a bit distracted by the to-do list and somewhat zoned out where God is concerned. I need to open my eyes and ears a bit more. I suspect that’s the point of this regular reflection!
So, where do I think I’ve seen God at work this week? Here are the first thoughts that spring to mind:
- In a moment of reframing a situation. Dealing with someone where my first reaction is often annoyance, irritation, rolling my eyes. It suddenly popped into my mind that sometimes these people and situations are like grit in an oyster – irritating, but necessary to produce a pearl. These people are part of how God shapes me and my faith. There may be many times when I don’t agree with them and they frustrate me, but there are also times when they help to push things forward. I may not be able to see the bigger picture, but I need to trust that they are part of it too.
- In a response shared on Twitter from someone attacking another person for their viewpoint on faith. I’m often humbled by how the particular individual on the receiving end of this responds with such grace. Their tweets are often thought-provoking, particularly with regards to inclusion within the church. The words ‘speaking out in love’ can be overused – sometimes it feels that people say they’re speaking out ‘in love’ when they’re judging or condemning. These responses find that rare balance of being able to disagree in a way that still shows love.
- A trivial one this. I was trying to find a blank notebook for my Stepwise notes. I like to start things like this in a new book, but the only ones I could find in the house didn’t feel like quite the right thing. It sounds silly, but the notebook has to feel like just the right kind of notebook! I didn’t have time to go to the shops and I was about to give up when I suddenly spotted the perfect thing tucked away on a shelf under a packet of envelopes.
- In the moments of sunshine sitting out in the garden watching my son playing outside. Just allowing myself to be still and enjoy the moment. Plus there was a little robin who appeared in the garden which always makes me feel like my big girl is there with us too.
I’m sure there have been many more moments that I haven’t been consciously aware of, but the school run is calling and that’s all I have time to think of for now. Hopefully I’ll become more aware of these moments of God at work in the world around me as I go through the coming weeks.
A Kintsugi Faith 