Revelation 4: Remember
Question:
Where was God for you today?
Write your Answer – click here
Transcript of Video:
I find it’s difficult to go through the day to remember what God has done. I may sense in the moment, “Oh, look God’s right here. How beautiful that is. Oh, that was a great word.” And then I continue through the day and something else happens and the next task is before me, the next problem, the next worry, the next assignment and if I don’t stop later, it will easily just pass by me what’s happened, what God has given me. And I find that’s what a lot of people have trouble with when thinking of, “Well, where was Jesus for me? Sure Jesus may be ordinary and right in my daily life but I don’t see Him and it must be something bigger. That must be why I’m not seeing Jesus today.” And yet Jesus comes in all these small and simple ways. And takes the time to stop and ask to see where was God for me today.
One of the most helpful practices I’ve found is to actually stop at the end of the day and ask and look back and see where was God for me today. What was the gift of God for me today? So I ask questions like what am I most thankful for today. What am I least thankful for? When was I most fully alive? And those things spark in me oh, yes, I remember that word. Remember I was anxious about that meeting and then how it came together, or that encouragement from a Brother, or as I went outside and saw the glory of the sun through the leaves and I stopped, remember that moment. And then giving thanks I realized that was God’s gift to me and not only a gift because as John says “I am the bread of life.” Even those very little things that is Jesus to me today. That is Jesus showing up in my neighborhood, that word, that image, that consolation, those are divine gifts.
When I don’t stop at the end of the day to ask, I usually forget. They fly by. New things come. But when I do stop I’m reminded again how much God loves me and where Jesus was for me that day.
– Br. Luke Ditewig
Today for me, God was present at church in the words church family members spoke to me about the impact of my words earlier in the week. Having given an account of my faith walk and lessons learned about forgiveness, as part of our Lenten series, on Wednesday evening, hearing what my story meant to others and how specific parts helped them, felt like a hug from God, through them. It reminded me that when we make an offering of ourselves, our time, our work, or thoughts, in hopes of ministering to another, God is present and can use our efforts to bless others in ways we can’t imagine.
I have much to be thankful and loved. It has been a good day. I didn’t think I would have a productive day, but I did. It is amazing how you plan your day, and it turns out to be so different. Thank you for this day as you guide and teach in your quiet way.. .
He somehow positioned me to look at these videos and have time with Him. Most unusual to not have planned this and yet, sit in the most unusual spot in my home and continue these until I am caught up.
Today God was present in my voice, in the kind faces and smiles and warm greetings at St. Paul’s.
And here.
In this loving space.
So grateful to have found you.
I thanked God for the rain shower today. We needed it so much. It was good to need an umbrella as I walked to the mailbox. I also felt His presence as I conversed with friends and family on the phone today. I have also so enjoyed hearing the homilies and reading the wonderful thought pro-voking comments via of this social medium. May God bless you all!
The moments at Lake Farmpark today with my granddaughter and boyfriend were filled with God’s presence; there were many newborn farm animals to see, one baby lamb was only minutes old and I observed the cycle of life in just a few minutes, all love.
God’s presence: in the eyes of my dog, the compassion and skill of her surgeon, in the purr of my new cat, in the patience of the horse and the safety of my daughter on his back, in the wisdom of trainers, teachers, friends, and peers, in the light and the breeze, in the hawk on the hill, in the moon in the skylight and the shadows cast by it, in the warmth of my mother’s laugh.
In that springtime feeling. Being with a friend, and sharing a special moment with her. Also , speaking with some one that is in need.
God was in the beautiful sunshine and the singing of birds. I found God in nature around me as I walked down to get the paper. I found God in the smiles and waves of people on the street as I drove by. He was in the joy of children in the stores, in the hands of Theresa as she softened my hands and feet and made them prettier, in Amy’s strength as she massaged my aches away. I saw God in my sweetheart’s eyes as he greeted me. And God was in the words of Jessica’s story, which she shared as her Lenten discipline. God’s creation and His love surrounded my day, and I am blessed.
I know i have my sister to talk to and she was by my side when my other sister passed away and was always dependable. With Gods help we can get though our journey of life.
It is still Saturday morning. God is in my ability to allow myself to sleep an extra hour, and meditate before I begin a very busy day.
after becoming irritated at a client,i could sense this anger in me and fear in her and i knew it could snowball into an explosion. i took a deep breath, clarified in my head and in client’s presence the source of my frustration,apologized for the behavior and went on with the day. this was clearly something that came from outside myself-a gift.
God gave me a conversation with my son in which I could explain what faith it for me.
I found God in the chatter of the birds returning to nest, in the face of my financial advisor, in my grandchildren, in my children.
Today I spent cross country skiing in the front ranges of the Rockies with my daughter. Brilliant blue skies against snow-covered peaks. Not just God in creation, but in my being with my daughter, our relationship slowly changing as I grow older. Both caring for each other.
every second of every hour of course but so many times throughout the day. after a wild and snowy wednesday, we awoke to gorgeous blue skies on thursday.
overwhelmingly beautiful.
then a day filled with study and phone calls and reconnecting and trying to do a favour for a friend….it was all wonderful and i have to believe God was there leading me through my Lenten studies and implementing His suggestions (blocked yesterday but will persevere and find that creative resolution).
I have a fairly constant sense of God being with me throughout the day, but reflecting on specific times brought up something I may have forgotten. It was the chance interaction with a medical tech in a doctor’s office that created an immediate connection between us. Later, I felt that we uplifted each other by our few minutes of personal conversation. Those random chances to connect are often too easy to overlook, but I believe God becomes especially present in those moments. Thanks for reminding me to remember.
God was with me in the calm thread that ran through my day, despite its being a day with lots of details to attend to. God was with me as I enjoyed the sun on yesterday’s “winter wonderland” snowfall, and watched my canine companion frolicking and snacking on the snow.
Yesterday was a painful one for me. My good wife came down with catarrh and I volunteered to make all the meals for the day while she stayed in bed. I did these things, but was overstressed by it, felt that life is too hard ..
Where was God ? Keeping us on an even keel despite the pain and misery perhaps
Over the last few years God has been there to give me strength during some difficult times. Many times I placed my fate in his hands asking to help my family through those times. It was nice today to have the opportunity to provide for others in need. Each little thing I’m thankful for is one more time God is there for me. There were signs in many places today; in the “thank you” from those I made a donation to, in the simple sayings on a coffee cup, to a little one on one with my daughter that included the love of laughter, in remembering those I have loved and lost in the simple things they cherished, and even the sheer excitement and happiness in my dog when he was given a new toy.
To be loved is to be truly blessed.
God was in the weather for me today! Two snow days in a row wow! Everyone home and it looks like Christmas outside! In Vermont our wreaths don’t come down until Easter! 😉 Tonight during our last walk of the day, the moon shone on the snow truly “like the luster of mid-day to object below”. Orion high in the sky shown through sparkling trees limbs draped with snow. It was so beautiful and still and cold too – quite the contrast from last nights howling winds that made the shutters bang, waking me several times throughout the night! But even in that God is present. The majesty I feel during storms is always exciting and awesome. I was very grateful however that all the tree limbs stayed in place and no electrical power was lost thus insuring us a warm wakeup.
In the Brother’s message, in my daily readings in Forward Day by Day, and I anticipate God being for me in the readings and sermon on Sunday.
God was inside the heated room where Bank of America keeps its ATM with the homeless man who came in to get warm during the morning snow storm and its below zero wind chill. God was present as the snowdrops stood their ground as the snow fell becoming invisible against the landscape but ready to bloom on Saturday when the temp hits 50* God was present as the hairdresser told me of his father’s good friend Frederick Buechner….asking if perhaps I knew him. God was present in the homeade bread at breakfast, Eucharist and dinner and in the hands the prepared it and shared it. What is that Jungian phrase…Bidden or Unbidden…God comes.
Where was God for me today? In the sunshine of the 4 degree morning, in a simmering pot of vegetable soup, in the photos of faces of the people I love, in a rediscovered box of crayons left over from childhood, and in this Lenten series. Thank you to the Brothers for this and to everybody involved for letting me be part of this with you. What an interesting journey we’r on!
This is an interesting and significant question. I think God is with me right now as I try to answer this question. I know He will be with me tonight as I attend a church event. Reflecting on the day He was with me as I was raking leaves because I was looking at the shrubs and trees that are just beginning to sprout new leaves and foliage for the coming season and our lawn which is overgrown with moss. In just a few short weeks God will help transform this area into something that is very beautiful and for my wife and I, peaceful. So I guess that’s where God was with me today.
Today I received some excellent news. The news pertained to the final hurdle that lay in the way towards the realization of my call of ordained ministry. As I reflect back upon the path that has led me to this point there were high points and low points, but throughout the journey God was with me. Today I see God in the culmination of this journey. Today I see God in the opportunities that now await me on the next leg of the journey. Today I see God in the joy that I am feeling.
As this day moves toward its end I am so grateful for all the “moments” where God has been present. From my daughters call to a wonderful email sent to me. Before my night prayers I will chart this days journey, the good, bad and ugly. I know God’s presence is woven through all of it.
Today, God was with me in the last three video clips (I had to back and catch up a couple of days), which reminded me of truths I find it too easy to cynically dismiss.
God was in the eyes and face of every patient I met and talked with today, who allowed me the privilege of sharing part of their journey.
I have kept a journal for about 12 years now. Writing is a way to help me clarify my thoughts, extend my thoughts to the next level, and remember God’s abundant blessings. Several years ago I was in a single-car accident on a state highway as I traveled on a snowy morning. A whole line of cars from the passing lane swerved in front of me because as the drivers crested a hill, they saw a car in the passing lane that had spun out and was sitting horizontally across their lane. I was going slowly, but braking spun me around on the slippery road and whacked me into the guardrail. No major damage to me or the car. But every time I pass that spot on the highway, I feel a little panic come over me. Today I drove in similar snow conditions on the same road, but for the first time only noted the spot but did not feel the panic. That was a healing for me. Thank you, God.
After listening to the Brother today, my mood stayed elevated as I listened to classical music on the way into work. I heard God in the tentative singing of the birds in anticipation of the spring, and saw Him in the bright orange sun that peeked over the horizon. Work of course intruded, but I had my note from yesterday to remind me to search for Him in all things. After work I got to read the Bible in the warm sun on our porch. Truly a blessing after the long winter. I will try to remember to do a “inventory” of where God is (and is not) this evening, and every evening. I always thank him for my husband and for my sobriety.
At the end of a really wonderful day I sit and ponder how beautiful a day it was and how lucky I am to be here enjoying it with my loved ones. The most important thing in life are the setbacks and disappointments so that we can find joy in the things that go well.
God was with me today in the beauty of a snowy Thursday morning when everything looked so clean and lovely.
I have to believe that God was in the call from my Dr. that directed me in no uncertain terms, based on my blood tests, to reform my eating and exercise habits, or face heart disease. I trust God to stay with me as I process this news and learn how to reorder my life around it.
God is in my morning and lunch spent with my daughter, a wise and merry woman, who helped me see a way, perhaps, for my son, who is out of work and having difficulties because of that. My daughter is a true gift from God (as, in fact, are all three of my children and their spouses, and all 8 of my grandchildren), and her love brightened my day.
I am thankful for family this day…especially my children. I feel God’s love through them. I also feel thankful for gentle remainders of encouragement, like a pat on the back or a hug.
Yesterday, God’s presence was in the anticipation of my brother and his family’s visit which begins with tonight at a nice greek restaurant. Today, after a trip to the doctor with my elderly mother, we stopped at a little spot for a bite and ate outside (we’re in Florida) because we had my dog with us, a 4 year old silver lab named Tryphosa. She, Tryphosa, instantly became fast friends with the long haired 2 year old toddler named Ki as that family was arriving for their lunch. As my mom and I were headed for the car, there were 2 very elderly ladies who got their “dog love fix” and through just that sharing of love between living beings, God was present and doing that love, creation, presence.
“Where was God for me today?” God appeared in Br. Luke Ditewig’s video and transcript today. I need to be reminded of God’s presence in my daily life. Thank you! Please keep the reminders coming… I smiled when Br. Luke suggested we remember what we are least thankful for along with what we are most thankful for. That keeps everything in perspective, doesn’t it? Jesus is the Bread of Life. I was thinking, Jesus is the Bread of Everyday Life. I need “Bread” to sustain me everyday of my life. Thank you Jesus and thank you Br. Luke for reminding me to be thankful everyday!
God provided words. Friends who “do not buy the God thing” (their words) were discussing the energy forces and the value of rituals in the world and liminal places. ONe of them described when her pagan self feels alive. God provided words. I easily described the ways that a weekly faith ritual/liturgy provide safe spaces, in community, for me to reflect on the mystery of it all.
Yesterday I was at the airport arriving to stay with my friends, and they were not where I assumed they would be to pick me up. I got a bit panicky and a man sitting nearby in a wheelchair noticed, and with a very kind voice he directed me to where I should go to meet my friends. He was a loving brother Jesus for me, God in human form, attentive and close by.
Jesus was with me when I went out to shovel the eight inches of snow off the deck so we ,my high school sweet heart, and I could get to enjoy the beautiful gift God gave last night. He was with me over three years ago when I found my high school sweetheart after my wife of 52 years went to be with God.
Today a colleague and I shared what it means , for each of us, to choose life over death (to love life) and Jesus was with us in the smiles, the laughter and the joy of discovery.
right here…right now…in every moment. I wonder what my life would be like if I was aware of this in every moment?
It’s hard today…..my partner is dealing with mental and physical illness and doesn’t seem to want to get better. He’s been unemployed for a year now and being a one-income household puts its pressure on things. I try to love Christ in him, but sometimes he’s difficult. Please pray for me.
Mike, often I’ve thought about how relatively easy it is to practice a loving spirit, and to see the Lord while I am sitting in the pew at my church service. It is much harder at times to take that home with me. Even so, we do keep trying and I think that counts. I lift you and your partner up to the Lord in prayer. God’s peace 🙂
That is hard! Perhaps, God’s love can show you that Jesus is right there in that difficult situation suffering with both of you.
Having died in agony on the cross, no kind of suffering is unknown to him.
I hope he will make your burden lighter!
You both are in my prayers – this is a hard time for you but know that God loves you!
God showed up for me in a simple way this morning: Opening a “gift bag” I received after leading a Lenten program for the Oak Park Deanery in Chicago, I discovered — along with the standard parish coffee cup and book marks — a fresh bran muffin, a tangerine, and some delicious tea. My breakfast before an early morning drive home to Iowa. ‘Tis a gift to be simple and thoughtful in one’s hospitality.
Sometimes I feel there is little to be thankful for. Life seems grey. Of course, there is a lot to be thankful for but he problem is thow to lift that heavy tarpaulin of depression. I prayed for God’s comfort last night and a few minutes later felt his warmth and love. Very thankful for that gift. It was as if to say things will look better in the morning and they do!
God was with me in many ways yesterday. Our choir rehearsal, of course, was a time to sing of God’s love and word. My husband’s daughter is having a very rough spot; we talked and shared her troubles (which are nowhere near resolved – but we were all together). A student came in for help and we laughed and I was able to give her some pointers. The morning dawn out of the bathroom window was soft, rosy, and gorgeous. And I gave my nightly thanks as I turned out the lamp.
As it is still relatively early in the day, I thought about this question in terms of yesterday. We had a major snow storm that dumped over 6 inches of new snow and I started the day really angry about it and then later in the afternoon I realized the beauty that I rarely see because of the angle of the sun in March and the brilliance of the snow and the sheer beauty of it rather than the inconvenience. It is rare to see this at this time of year and suddenly the glory of creation was more important than complaining. Indeed God was in that moment and I could feel the love and gratitude.
This is a question that almost requires waiting until later in the day to see what transpires, but I knew yesterday where God would be for me today. With a weather forecast starting with rain yesterday turning to snow and single-digit temps this morning, I thank God for being able to stay home and not having to be anywhere else this morning.
I am enjoying my coffee looking out the window at the snow blowing in a gusty wind. I am feeling the peace of God as I sit here.
And I will be mindful of what else the day may bring – so I may be back!
Yesterday Jesus was with me as I worked with the public school PreK class I volunteer in once a week. Jesus was there as I played a game with 3 children and then watched as 4th child took over my role as teacher to lead/teach the the rules of the game to 3 other children. This child is one who often has a hard time controling his body and following the rules, but yesterday he showed me his abillity to shine in a most possitive way! I believe Jesus was there allowing me to take on that role and shine.
I feel God’s presence every moment that I am with my two young sons. Laughter, crying, playing, arguing (one is almost a teen), being frustrated, praying… All are an experience of God through this tremendous gift of being a dad.
As I look back on yesterday, God was with me as I led a contemplative prayer session at church. I felt His presence as we sat in silence, as we read together a psalm, as we discussed and as we prayed.
I will look for His presence today and every day.
I wrote “God loves me” on a piece of paper as Br. Almquist suggested in his video yesterday. Reflecting on Br. Ditewood’s video today I realize God was with me all day as I repeated the three words throughout the day. His love and presence helped me act positively on a troubling issue.
I love how each day’s reflelection is intertwined with the others.
A wonderful way to capture these tokens of God’s love. From the snow that he sent yesterday afternoon to the sunshine this morning. From the smell of fresh ground coffee to the joy of singing “When I survey the wondrous cross” while driving to an appointment. I’ll be looking today to see where Jesus is for me. What grace!
Staying with my 88 year old mother this week and saw Jesus through the so many people minister to her through their love and care for her. Kristina took the time to help her get dressed yesterday – socks, shoes, pants, back brace – each gentle, loving gesture. Dr. Nathan gave her an hour of his time, staying after all his other patients, working and working to test her hearing and tweeking to get her hearing aid adjusted just right. The clerk at the store who took time to help her try to find a watch that would fit just right – staying close by to see if she needed anything. All these angels watching and watching each move she makes, protecting her, guarding her, carrying her through the day.
This is a beautiful observation – God in caring people.
I have been asked this question at a church camp and I have pondered my answer for a while. I have felt that God is always there, seen, unseen, felt, and unfelt. It is hard for me to separate God from anything, good or bad. God is… I do have to thank God often for particular graces and at the end of the day I give my gratitude. I do like to relate to the world knowing that God is there.
God was in my friends.
Several months ago, we had a major problem with our septic system which required that we hire a back hoe operator to remove the septic tank lid and remove a mat of roots that had accumulated over the years. In the process much of the exisitng landscape was damaged and we were left with piles of dirt but the good news is that God gave us an opportunity to receate the landscape, replace sprinkler lines, replant shrubs, and plants and make everything anew with Gods help.
We are truly blessed by what God has done for us everyday. Stopping to remember only brings that more in focus.
He was with me when during the Hole Eucharist service. Both He and the Holy Spirit were present.
I felt HIS presence while driving my car in the snowstorm and getting home safely.
This is something I try do do more and more each day. I try to remember during the day that He is with me in everything and I have nothing to fear. I have a lot more practicing to do to make it a daily (everyday) ritual. Thank you for reminding that at the end of the day I can reflect on everything. I am going to take up that practice along with my evening conversation with Him.
Thank you for prompting me to reflect on yesterday as I begin this day. God was with me yesterday in prayer requests from our church’s prayer ministry, in the weather filled with the Spirit’s blustery wind, in the stories my wife brought home from babysitting our 3 year old grandson and in the presence of one of our nephews, who is staying at our home for four days.
This reflection leaves me thankful and buoys me for the day ahead.
Come God in grace and keep me awake Spirit!
This is a practice that I will try to implement and see where it takes me. I do tend to pray before bed and usually have a “section” of thanksgiving amidst the other requests and meditations but this would be an interesting way to frame my thoughts. “Where will God be for me today?”
I have tried to practice this with my children, asking “what was fun?
, ” what could have gone better today? ” and ” what are you most proud of?”. It was inspired by the Jesuit order.
Reflecting, snuggled up before sleep, is a great way I find of remembering and forgiveness. And also playfulness!
Every day for the past 45 years I have experienced God’s love in my wife! Today was no exception!!!!! With out her I may have never experienced the joy of fatherhood or of being a grandfather!!! Without her I would probably still be an agnostic. I’m so blessed to be able to look at my family and see and experience the face of God!!!!