I Saw God

It’s the Holiday Season and Christmas is right around the corner! I really love this time of year because I get to spend a lot more time with my family, eat great big, wonderful meals, and exchange gifts with people I love and care about. But also at this time of year, I tend to look at… and see things a little differently.

We lost several family members in the past two years due to cancer and covid. So my focus on the important things in life, like friends and family, and people in general, is now heightened. Maybe it’s my age, but I don’t want to take anyone for granted, ever again, because I know I have. So these days, when I am with someone I try to look them straight in the eye. I want them to see that I am connecting with them and that I am listening to them. People want to be “seen”, so I make it point to let them know that they are “seen” by me, and that they matter to me.

Funny thing is, the more I look at the world around me and the people that are in it, the more I see God. In fact, I saw God the other day when I witnessed a friend of mine donate a kidney to a complete stranger. I saw God when I noticed my son was picking up stray trash off the ground and throwing it away. I saw God when I witnessed my wife working for hours in the kitchen, preparing to host our “Family Baking Day”. Last night I saw God when my granddaughter crawled up next to me on the couch and ask me to read her “Riddles for Kids” book with her. And I especially saw God last week when a homeless man who was really upset, approached me because he lost his backpack with all of his clothes in it. And I felt God speak to me and suggest I give him the coat off my back. And I for sure saw God when I watched a brilliant, orange sunrise burst over the top of Saddleback Mountain earlier this morning. I am pretty sure God is everywhere… if we just make the effort to see Him!

     “And that’s the real meaning of Christmas – Charlie Brown!”