Where God Shows Up

"Discernment is the art of paying attention to God, in all the places God might show up." ~ Leah Perrault in Theology of the Body for Every Body

When was the last time you paid attention to God? Where were you at the time? Who else was present? You may be trying to conjur up a conversation during the last Eucharist or worship service you were at, but that is not what I am asking really. God is present to us in every moment, in all things, in each person, at all times, and in in all creation. Do we really comprehend what that means to us on a daily basis?

Today I organized the staff Wellness Day. A number of times, as I reflect back on the day, I paid attention. Right off the hop, we had a major glitch and I realized that my conflict resolution skills and good discernment were gifts. I dealt with the issue swiftly and confidently while I restored the positive energy. That done, the second major curve ball of the day was thrown. I caught it nicely and circumvented a tiny crisis. The rest of the day went smoothly and everyone found their way to wellness, including myself.

Paying attention to the movements of the Spirit in a day does change things. I need to do this more often. Sometimes I see where God was only at the end of a insanely busy day when I do my Examen. One would think by now that I might have mastered this listening skill. Alas! Not quite yet. I am still a novice in work-related situations.

Other times though, when I can sit and watch the sun set on a beach where the waves crash against the shore, my breath is taken away by how gloriously God has shown up. Those moments are the easy ones. Today though I caught my self being grateful for several dialogues with co-workers which left me happily wondering, when did this come to be, this relationship between us? As the massage therapist worked on my aching body, I know that God showed up in the gift of his hands. God arrived a long time ago in the producer of a movie which still inspires people in its stories. Today watching it with a group of educators this time, the bullying story made me cry as it had never done before. I could feel the room charged with the onerous responsibility we have in keeping our children safe and sane.

God shows up in the loving embrace of a dear friend, in the joy of seeing someone succeed because you opened a door for them, and in providing magical opportunities for others. In the moments when we quiet ourselves, we will discern that God has shown up. Remember at that time to give thanks for all that was and is.

Peace,

Suzanne