I Saw God Today

Cole admiring a Nicaraguan sunset.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Colossians 1:15 (NIV) 

Recently, a 1^st grade teacher friend of mine posted this on Facebook: 

“I saw Jesus today....He was disguised as a middle school boy who held the door for myself and a couple of other young ladies. Earlier He was disguised as a grandmother who offered me her umbrella when I got caught in a downpour in car pickup. He was seen again in car pickup offering me a light 'n fluffy smoothie on a "Monday afternoon". He was also in my classroom this am disguised as a sweet little boy bringing me a Thanksgiving wall hanging with a reminder to be thankful in all things. Did you see Him today? Or maybe you were Him today...” 

This simple post helped me to open my eyes and notice the people around me and their simple actions of kindness.  It helped me to acknowledge the beauty in what God has created for me, things I usually take for granted.  It also helped me to keep Him at the forefront of my thoughts, even in the tiny tasks of the week. 

George Strait sang a song about this very thing called, “I Saw God Today”.  He talks about seeing a flower growing through a sidewalk crack, a couple holding hands and seeing his newborn baby for the first time.  The lyrics to the chorus are this: 

I've been to church
I've read the book
I know He's here, but I don't look
Near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I'd just slow down to stop and stare
Opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today 

In this busy holiday season of Black Friday deals, Cyber Monday must-haves, wrapping presents, stringing lights, checking lists, and even trying to keep that silly ole’ elf on the shelf from destroying your home before the big day, try to be mindful of the reason for this time of year.  It’s not about accumulating stuff, stressing over finding the perfect gift, or one-upping your neighbor’s decorations.  It’s about Jesus and the Father’s decision of sending Him to earth.  God is everywhere all the time.  His omnipresence does not change with the seasons or holidays.  He’s here 24/7.  Our culture has made this time of year a tradition of actually acknowledging His presence.  That’s the only difference.  As Christians, we should take advantage of that. 

A few weeks ago, I heard a journalist on a news channel say, “I’m all for Jesus.  I just don’t want him on public property.”  Wow.  Well, He’s there whether we acknowledge Him or not.  He doesn’t come and go with the culture, with political agendas or even when He is shunned by the actual people He created.  God is. Period.  

Matthew 10:32-33 says, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.  But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” 

After hearing that statement on TV and reading my friend’s post, I started making my own mental list of how I was seeing Jesus in other people.  Here is what I saw: 

I saw Jesus disguised as my daughter taking items that she bought with her own money to school to give to underprivileged children for Christmas. 

I saw Jesus disguised as a group of young women who work at a local boutique buying a beautiful new outfit for a cancer patient who recently lost her hair. 

I saw Jesus disguised as a grown man helping his disabled, elderly mother down the aisle very slowly at church Sunday so she can continue to worship with her church family. 

I saw a group of young families serving Thanksgiving dinner to local homeless and hungry people. 

I saw a customer in a drive-thru pay for the car behind her without knowing who they were. 

I saw a circle of ladies praying with a mom whose son has lost his way. 

Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” 

Opportunity is all around us.  Will you see Jesus this week?  Maybe others will see Jesus in you this week.  

Have a great week!