Where Did You See God Today? Take 3

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the funeral for the mother of a very good friend.  I can hear you now.  "You had the pleasure of attending a funeral?"  Don't get me wrong.  I hurt deeply for my friend who lost her mom.  My pleasure came in watching God during the wake and the funeral.  He was everywhere.

On my flight from Boston to Atlanta I had a short layover in Philly.  As I was getting my luggage out of the overhead bin, a woman a few seats over said, "Make sure you check the luggage, ours looks exactly the same."  I replied, "Mine has a broken zipper in front, so I think we are good."  She gave no reply and I hurried off the plane, practically running to my next plane.  As I scrambled down the walkway to the plane, God told me to look at my luggage.  I was in a hurry, but I obeyed.  Inside I found six inch leopard print shoes I would never wear.  I had taken the wrong luggage!

God showed up in all His mercy.  We found the other lady, switched our luggage and I was booked on the next flight, which left an hour later.  But that was just the beginning of my God sightings.

My friends in-laws were to pick me up at Boston's Logan airport, which is by no means a small airport.  I had met them once or twice, but was really concerned if I would remember them or not.  As I walked down the stairs to baggage claim they were right in front of me.  God simply said, "There they are."  I had been worried for nothing.

On the way to the place where my friends were staying, the in-laws asked me if I needed to stop for food.  I was too embarrassed to say yes, so I told them I was fine.  Please tell me you've done the same kind of foolish thing.  Anyway, when we arrived my friends husband (also my friend) had bought us turkey subs.  Oh my...they tasted so good.  God was in on the smallest of details.

One of the things I miss most, now that I live in Georgia and not Connecticut, is the ocean.  I pine for the ocean.  That's how bad I miss it.  Well my friends were staying at their mother's apartment, which had a view of guess what?  Yes!  The ocean.  One of my favorite places to talk with God is the ocean.  How cool of Him to supply one right in my back yard!

I could go on and on about where I saw God when I was in Boston, but let me help you understand why I found the funeral a pleasure.  Tuesday night was the wake, which had hours from 2-4 and 6-8.  Going in to the services I knew my friend, her husband and her children, plus I had some knowledge of the in-laws.

That night, I watched people of all shapes and sizes and ages pass by to give their condolences for this woman who was loved by a community.  She was the biggest fan of several high school sports teams, who came out to honor her.  People stood in the rain in long lines, just waiting for the chance to show their respect.  The receiving line went on and on, lasting until after 9 pm.  It was an amazing thing to experience. 

You could only miss God at the wake and funeral if you really tried. He showed up in the family.  They helped each other stand, they helped each other grieve, they shared memories and laughter.  God showed up in the children.  They kept a watchful eye on each other and their parents.  Standing stronger than anyone else their age could.  God showed up in friends who brought food and water and love.  God showed up in strangers, like the woman whose husband was out of town so she came in his place.  Or the man who had never met my friend's mom, but wanted to support other members of her family.  He showed up in the people who lovingly took me into their hearts and their homes, although they had just met me.

My prayer...all of our prayers should be to live a life that has a positive lasting impact on our families and the communities that surround us.

God is everywhere around us, working in all kinds of ways.  All we have to do is take a look.  Tomorrow we will share some stories from others who have seen God. 

Where did you see God today?  Please click on the link below and share your story.

http://www.surveyonics.com/surveyflow/Where-Did-You-See-God-Today/9929


Love,
Bonnie

Where Did You See God Today? Take 2

Today I saw God all over the place.  This morning I was stressed out because I wanted to attend the funeral for the mother of some very dear friends.  There were a couple of problems.  The funeral is in Boston and I have Jury Duty, in Atlanta, tomorrow. 

But God told me not to sweat it, that He would handle it for me.  So when I called (and finally got through...) the lady required no additional information from me and said, "We have deferred your Jury Duty to January 11th."  Wow!  Nothing dealing with the government is ever that easy.

Then I talked with a friend, who lovingly asked me if I was okay....and he was genuinely concerned.  In that moment I felt such a rush of God's love, I wanted to cry.

I saw God at the grocery store.  He came in the form of a gentleman about 30 years of age who, with great patience, was helping an older man with disabilities pick out his groceries.  I could have followed them all day and watched the tenderness between the two men.

Around noon time a gentleman came to do some work on our home.  I saw God as he talked about his children and how amazing they were to him and how much he loved spending time with them.  I thanked God for opening the doors for that conversation.

I even saw God at my favorite place today, Starbucks.  He came in the form of a lady who wants to mentor me in a new job endeavor.  He listened quietly, actually caring what I was saying.  He asked all the right questions and gave all the right answers.

Tonight I saw God in my daughter as she lovingly helped me pack for my trip to Boston.  I stuff everything in the suitcase and pray it fits.  She lovingly folds everything and places it neatly, so nothing gets wrinkled.  Unlike me, she was aware of every little detail.  God is the same way in our lives.

When I began this blog asking, "Where Did You See God Today?", I sent a request for other people to share their stories.  Less than 10 people took the time. 

At first I was frustrated and maybe even a little angry.  Now I am simply enjoying the journey.  Whether or not people join me on the road isn't important.  What is important?  That every day God shows Himself to me in a new and miraculous way. 

My prayer for you is that you will take the time to see Him in your world.  If you want to share your stories please click on this link.

http://www.surveyonics.com/surveyflow/Where-Did-You-See-God-Today/9929

Thank you for showing up so many times today God.  See you tomorrow!

Love,
Bonnie