It was frigid—bone-chilling—and we had another heavy snowfall. When I opened my garage door, I quickly realized that looking at the big picture wouldn’t be helpful. Instead, I needed to focus on just one shovel of snow at a time. Blinders would have been useful, so that I wouldn’t see to the left or right. What really helped was the beautiful sunshine and blue skies that had appeared after the storm.
So, I shoveled, thanking the Lord for strength and His hand of protection. When the task was completed, I headed out for a good trudge through the snow, feeling like a kid again.
As I walked, it occurred to me that there had been massive drifts of stormy circumstances invading my life or the lives of people whom I care very deeply for. If I allowed these difficult situations to be the only focus—considering the trials in their entirety—then the enemy could take me down. Believe me, he tries. However, God in His boundless love and grace always comes through, reminding me to see Him in the moment.
I am learning to slow down enough to notice these moments. The older I get, the more I see God in the ordinary, and the ordinary turns into the spectacular. I see God in the beauty of a newborn child, especially when I have a sweet snuggle and touch their delicate skin. I see God in the smile of my friend with special needs, in the sound of her no-holds-barred enthusiastic greeting, and in the warmth of her hug. I see God in the laughter of my girlfriends when we’re being giddy. I see God in the beauty of the flaming scarlet sky and the frozen sculptures on the shoreline. I see God in the tears of those who weep, and in the comfort offered by one who cares. I see God in nature, in people, in theatre, in poetry, in Scripture, in a symphony, in life’s trials, … and it’s a wonder! The more I consider the height, depth, breadth and length of God’s love, the more the anxiety brought on by stormy circumstances diminishes. Focusing on the big picture of our Almighty, faithful and loving God is a good perspective to have as it leads us to a place of thankfulness.
“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:16-21). (NIV)
Susan Page