God Shining in the Everyday

Today's Epiphany reflections on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" are by Ethan & Isla.  

Ethan: "I go to my Grandma's and Grandad’s house after school every day now that they have moved into their new home close to my school. God shines clearly during the calm moments while I walk there on my own after a busy day at school."

Isla: "After school when I’m sitting at the little table in my room playing with my toys and Lego, it’s quiet and I’m by myself. God reminds me of all the things I’m thankful for: my family and my friends, my home, good food and my baby bear." 

 Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Eddy.  

"For each person God shines in many different ways. For myself I can list so many ways, but the ones which come more frequently are mainly before I go to sleep, I ask God to help take care of the people in need, the sick, the dying, the homeless and to give health and strength to all people. I ask for guidance in the way in which he wants me to be and to help me throughout the day as I go through my daily routine, whether it is an appointment or assisting the grandkids with a ride to their games, or calls to my family in various parts of the world in different time zones, or assisting the next door elderly neighbors in their needs during the cold snowy times. In all of the above I can see God shines in many ways and gives me a sense that he shines clearly in my life."    

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Karen.

"In my ordinary, everyday life God shines clearly in all the people he brings into my life.

He is there in the unsolicited hug I receive from my daughter on a 'blue' day... in the unknown little girl that goes running by laughing and squealing with unbridled joy, when I am out for a walk... in the friendly smiling gentleman behind me at the grocery checkout who asks how my day is going... and in the seemingly chance meeting of an old friend, who knows just the person I should see to help heal my lingering tendonitis.

God is there in the presence and actions of all those who bless my life."

 Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Michael L.  

"God is always present all around us, but we are too busy to notice.   I started jogging for over a decade, usually before dawn 3 or 4 times a week. During these 30 to 40 minutes, I pray to God so that I can draw strength from Him before I start my brand new day.   In this quiet time, God shines through brightly when I breathe the fresh air, when I see a flock of birds fly over the water, and even when I feel the raindrops fall around me; all these refresh my body and soul."  

 Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Rich.  

"God shines most brightly in my everyday life when I am doing something that allows me to easily clear my mind. A quiet walk in the woods is a perfect example of this; I’m able to be at peace and take in the wonder of God’s creation. I took this photo of my wife walking with her guide dog during one of our forest walks, and it captures the feelings of love and trust and warmth that are all possible when we let God’s love into our hearts. The light shining through the dark branches reminds me that God is always present, even when times seem dark."   

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Mary.

"I would love to be able to say that I see God everywhere in my life.  

It is easy to see God in the sunshine, the beauty of creation, the faces of family and friends, and the many instances of kindness and caring that one sees in the world.  My life is so full of goodness that this accounts for much of my time and I wish that I could remember more often to give thanks and praise to God at these times.  .  

I would love to see God in the other times of the day also–the mundane, the hectic, the sad and fearful times.   

For the past few weeks, I have been reading 'Learning to Walk in the Dark' by Barbara Brown Taylor for our church’s Tuesday morning Book Study, and I have been aware of how it is much more natural to see God in the loveliness of life rather than the darker times.  I do have faith that God is with me at all times, but it is more difficult to remember this when things are not going well.
  
I feel that it is important for me to become more aware of God’s presence throughout the day.  Since my mom passed away, I have often had the sense of her presence with me.  A comfortable, knowing presence that makes me feel wrapped in her love.  This is how I would like to be aware of God’s presence.   Without the need for praise, thanks, or prayers for guidance, forgiveness or courage although I know these are also important.  But I long just to walk with God in comfortable, understanding companionship throughout the day."

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Susie.

"I see God clearly whenever I take Tylenol. A few years ago I had pain from a nerve condition from the spinal cord – sciatica. I had a lot of pain from my spine to the end of my leg. Only Tylenol helped me with the pain, but each time it only lasted 4-6 hours.  I went to seek all sorts of professional help – doctors, clinics - but it wasn’t helpful. One day I saw an ad about a decompression treatment and I tried it for a year. After exactly one year, it still didn’t help and the doctor told me that I would have to pay for each additional visit. But I suddenly realized that day that I was all better. Now I see clearly that God did that. All of a sudden it was an answered prayer! I still take Tylenol, but now just for little aches and pains. I thank God for this. From now on I just need to be more aware of God’s presence." 

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Josephine.

"God is Light. Jesus consistently focused on linking Himself to the Father (God). John chapter 8, verse 12: Jesus said, 'I am the Light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' Light is essential to provide growth on earth. The opposite to Light is Darkness. Through Jesus and His sacrificial death on the Cross we are exposed to the light and forgiveness of our sins. At times when I felt a bit down, I looked for the Light which usually gave me an uplift and brightened up my day."

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Betty.

"This is where I see God most clearly in my life.

In the plants and the trees that come alive in the spring, the beautiful colors of the leaves in the fall. The snow capped mountains and freshly fallen snow. The warmth of the sun, the glittering stars and the shapes of the moon in the night sky.

In babies, puppies and kittens. In kind people, the man who picked up my fallen glove. The friendly cheerful gas attendants that work at Johnson Street station. The homeless man sitting under a tree. All the volunteers who give their time to make a difference. My husband and sons who are my life.

This is where I see God most clearly in my life."

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Christine.

"The Light of Remembrance
 
A few years ago, Kathy R. gave me an Anglican Rosary, which in these last few weeks is bringing light to my everyday experience. They sit on my desk, lit by a candle and as I pick it up each morning and pray the Celtic prayer it came with, I remember with bittersweetness the Light Givers who have given so much light, and life, and joy to my life. Each evening I once again pray with the beads and give thanks – for all the dear people who have been a part of my day, my husband’s smile, the kindness of a neighbor, a note from a friend, fellow pray-ers, the beauty outside my window, and my little dog Pippin’s snores. Each a spark of light that cause me to remember the Gift of God – The Light in the Darkness – who shows up moment by moment, if only I open my eyes to see and my ears to listen.

Dear Kathy is still gifting light and light to my life as I remember her faith, her love and compassion."

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Sue E.

"Since I'm now retired in an empty nest I have more time to feel the presence of God in nature: the sun shining through the window in the morning, the moon shining through the trees at night, the woodpeckers and chickadees coming to eat the suet I prepared, and the hummingbirds sipping at the feeder as they become more at ease with my presence and hop on the feeder as I hang it up after a cold night. All these give me joy sent by God.

When I enjoy the presence of others, God is there in the laughter of my loved ones and the excitement in the eyes of my great-grandnephews. God and joy is present in all the kindness shown by our congregation at good times and sad times. Thank Heavens."

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Rohini.

"There is a light in my children’s eyes 
That surely comes from paradise
For when I am so very low
Their love shines purer than the snow.
It glows when they bring me my tea
In the everyday it shines for me.
A mustard seed of faith I had
In their teenage years it made me glad
I held onto it with all my might
They made it through and in my sight
A simple little cup of tea
Served with love’s my epiphany."

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Anne M.

"In my ordinary, everyday life God shines most clearly for me on our daily walks in nature. In the quiet stillness of the woods I sense that this is God’s natural cathedral, and I can feel his presence. If I look and listen carefully, as I wander down the winding trails through the dense woods, along the rambling river, hear the birds sing, and observe the sunlight flickering through the trees, the great Gardener and his glory is evident and made known to me. (John 15:1)

'But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.' – Job 12:7-10"

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Geri.

"And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day,' and the darkness he called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning — the first day.

On first read of these passages, I think about the creation of day and night, daytime, nighttime, sleep and awake but when I pray on it during times of struggle, the meaning is different.  For every dark time there is a time for light. A time for troubles to pass or the effects to lessen. When I have a problem I am wrestling with, I will put it aside when I sleep and when the morning comes and the dog needs his walk, the answer is there for me."

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Ann.

"God's light shines for me in my everyday life through the faces of my beautiful grandchildren. Just as they love us unconditionally, I am reminded that God loves us in the exact same way. His love for us has no limitations or restrictions... just pure adoring love always, and in all ways."

Today's Epiphany reflection on "Where in your ordinary, everyday life does God shine clearly?" is by Vivian. 

"This is a photo of my motley crew of plants on my kitchen counter... I see God working visibly in the improbability of new life (however funny-looking) continuing stubbornly to grow despite my lack of a green thumb! It gives me a lot of hope for other things in my life, whose potential for growth I may have underestimated."