In the Everyday, by Donene Dillow: Advent Day 17

Posted on December 17, 2019 | Posted by Mary Stoneback

How do you see God in everyday life? Many Christians go to what
I term the majestic answer; the overwhelming splendor of the
mountains, the innocent gurgle of a stream or the colorful
exhibition of aspens in fall. All great answers, but for me not the
way I see God in my life. Yes, I know that God has a hand in all things, mountains, streams and aspens included, but when I am
going about the act of living, I am reminded of God’s presence in
more subtle ways.

• The trip to Walmart where upon walking the aisles I notice
the elderly couple who are holding hands, smiling at each
other and still in love after what I assume is many years.
• The genuine smiles that are shared as two strangers pass
on the street.
• The hectic day at work, where upon entering the restroom,
a brief prayer is uttered and is answered with a sense of
quiet that fills the soul and a knowledge that I can continue
with the day.
• The kind word from a casual acquaintance when I am
feeling blue.
• The random favorite hymn that pops into my head at the
most unlikely time.
• The scent that brings back memories of Grandpa Curry,
my grandfather but more importantly my friend, which was
of more relevance to the shy girl I was.
• The comfort still provided by a stuffed Snoopy won at a
pumpkin carving contest more years ago than I want to
admit (if you really want to know…39+ years ago).

This list could go on, but the common theme is that I see God in
my life in human things. The things that make us created in God’s
image, the things that I want to exhibit to others as acts of my faith
and ultimately the things that I think Jesus exhibited during his
short time on earth, as a human!

Lord, help me to never lose sight of you in the details of life. Grant
me the strength to look outside of myself and share the good of
you with others by performing small human kindnesses. Amen.

~Donene Dillow
2013 Advent Devotional, A Light Shines in the Darkness