When I was considering the idea of writing another series of devotions through the season of Lent this year, it was a very thoughtful decision. Grad. school takes nearly all of my time and when I commit to something I tend to go all-out, particularly things that I feel passionate about, and I didn’t want to begin and then get swamped and not be able to give this blog the time it deserves. That so many of you have joined me is something I hold very close to my heart. So I took some time talking to God about all the things and it pretty quickly became clear that He was swinging the door open and asking me to trust Him with my time and all the things I was feeling apprehensive about. And here we are!

Each year I’ve done my best to notice where I’ve seen God in some part of each day and share those thoughts with you. It’s an incredibly beautiful, intimate, sometimes heartbreaking but always authenticaly real process that is one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done in my life. And through the years I have discovered a sort of rhythm to things….when to share deeply, when to lighten the mood and how to be sensitive to what’s going on out there with my collective blog family!

How could any of us have known when we began just two weeks ago that words and phrases such as “coronavirus”, “flattening the curve” and “self-distancing” would be part of the common vernacular here on Day 15? So, it’s a different year! And I’ve spent time once again seeking God and asking what He wants me to do with this little corner of the blogosphere, particularly in such times.

And here’s what we came up with! (Or, rather what God reminded me of…) We’re going to keep asking ourselves where we see God at work each day. It’s so easy to be pulled into the very real situation that is honestly unlike anything most of us have ever experienced. If you were any type of store today, you have an idea…

I was out of fresh veggies and a few other things, and  knew it would only probably get busier out there so I decided to pinch my nose, hold my breath and take the plunge! But before I went I asked God to stay close – to give me His eyes….to help me see what He sees and give me discernment and understanding even as I shopped. And this is what I saw….

I saw a tatooed, bald man reaching for a loaf of bread that was too high for the woman he saw trying to reach it. I saw a very tired mom with more kids than items in her cart looking like she just wanted to find a corner to cry. I heard frazzled, frustrated people when they realized the thing they needed wasn’t in stock. I heard polite “excuse me” and “thank you” exchanges from strangers who were clearly trying to pass some love. I saw an older woman slowly pushing her heavy cart filled with canned goods until a man with two children offered to help her. I saw a wide-eyed man wildly filling his cart with gallons of bleach when he learned there was no limit on them. I saw a young man pick up a few dollars that someone else had dropped in the middle of the aisle, begin to put it in his pocket, then place it on an empty shelf where diapers should have been instead. I saw an employee be kind and attentive to the many questions she was being asked by customers, even though it had been a very long day for her as well. I saw….us. In all of our humanity and complexity, at our worst and also our best. And I felt how much God loves each one…how He longs to get our attention and tend our fears and also encourage our acts of kindness and love for one another.

So to those who are really struggling with the events of this week, wondering how it’s all going to play out….I see you.

To the young, completely overwhelmed mom doing her best….I see you.

To the people sharing patience and kindness to others in stressful times….I see you. 

To those doing their best – even if it’s not what our best would be….I see you.

And far more importantly….God sees you. He really does. And He’s not removed from Day 15 and all it’s brought us. He is abundantly able and willing to help us walk through all of it and get to know Him more deeply along the way. That’s really what matters more than all the toilet paper and bottled water in the world, ya know….accepting the relationship that God longs to have with each of us, especially in uncertain times.

So if you are wondering if God sees you right now….I promise you. He does. <3

Take a moment and listen to this song that reminds us who God is.

So much love,

Shellie ♥ 

Take a Moment

United Pursuit
Take a moment to remember
Who God is and who I am
There You go lifting my load again
Take a moment to remember
Who God is and who I am
There You go lifting my load again
Take a moment to remember
Who God is and who I am
There You go lifting my load again
No longer am I held by
The yoke of this world
Come upon you the yoke of Jesus
His yoke is easy and His burden is so light
His burden is so light
You’re lifting my load
You’re lifting my load
No longer am I held by
The yoke of this world
Come upon you the yoke of Jesus
His yoke is easy and His burden is so light
Your love carries
Your love carries me
Out of valleys and the darkest places

Songwriters: Reagan William Andrew
Take a Moment lyrics © Capitol Cmg Genesis, United Pursuit Music