Life unfolds in a tapestry of grand moments and subtle whispers, each thread interwoven with experiences that shape who we are. While I often share the overt narratives of my journey, there are quieter conversations that resonate within my mind, deeply personal affirmations that mark moments of profound recognition. These are not merely thoughts, but an echo of a deeper understanding, often distilled into three simple yet powerful words: “I see you.” This phrase isn’t just about observation; it’s an acknowledgment of divine presence, a whispered hymn of gratitude for the countless small miracles that punctuate our existence.
Cultivating Gratitude: The Transformative Power of “I See You”
The practice of uttering “I see you” extends far beyond mere observation; it’s a spiritual discipline, a conscious effort to acknowledge the benevolent hand that guides and sustains us. It’s about recognizing that silent, often unnoticed intervention that prevents calamity or bestows unexpected blessings. Take, for instance, the recent evening when a sudden, inexplicable urge prompted me to check on dinner simmering in the smoker. Had that impulse not struck, had those quiet words not formed in my mind, the temperature would have soared, and our meal would have been irrevocably burned. In that moment of averted disaster, there was a profound sense of “I see you” – a recognition of guidance, a subtle nudge that preserved our efforts and provided for our nourishment.
Another profound instance emerged from what felt like a daring leap of faith: acquiring an investment property last year. What followed was not a smooth, predictable path, but a series of astonishing breakthroughs, an almost unbelievable alignment of circumstances that defied logical explanation. These weren’t just fortunate coincidences; they were clear, undeniable signs of a guiding presence, each one eliciting that same heartfelt declaration: “I see you.” These experiences serve as powerful reminders that even in our boldest ventures, we are not alone; there’s a higher power orchestrating details far beyond our comprehension.
Beyond the practical and the providential, “I see you” resonates in moments of simple, breathtaking beauty. After an exceptionally long and draining day, when weariness threatened to overshadow all else, glancing up to behold a perfect, luminous moon suspended against the inky canvas of the night sky was more than just a pretty sight. It was a poignant message, a gentle assurance that despite the day’s struggles, the world remains imbued with an enduring, profound beauty. It was a whispered affirmation that even when our personal worlds feel chaotic, the grand design of the universe is still breathtakingly perfect. These moments, both mundane and magnificent, become altars for gratitude, inviting us to pause and truly acknowledge the blessings bestowed upon us.
The recent announcement of our church resuming services, albeit with limited numbers, brought a wave of overwhelming gratitude. It was a stark reminder of the privileges I had, at times, taken for granted: the gift of faith, a community to worship with, and even the simple functionality of household appliances (most of them, at least – a story for another time!). Most significantly, it underscored the profound blessing of a healthy immediate family, especially when so many friends and extended family members were, and continue to be, literally fighting for their lives amidst global challenges. In such moments of profound awareness, the phrase “I see you” transforms into a humble, heartfelt prayer, a deep acknowledgment of grace.
Gratitude, in its purest form, doesn’t demand elaborate rituals or lengthy prayers. It requires a quiet heart, a receptive spirit, and a conscious effort to look beyond the immediate. It’s often just that subtle twinkle in the eye, a head tilted slightly upward in acknowledgment, and three simple words delivered with a humble, loving, and nodding smile: “I. SEE. YOU.” It’s a direct address, a recognition of divine presence in the minutiae of our daily lives. Heavenly Father, I see You. I see what You just did there. And thank You. ❤️❤️❤️
Navigating the Toughest Battle: Impatience in Parenthood
Paradoxically, amidst such profound moments of gratitude, I often find myself wrestling with what feels like the most absurd of personal battles: impatience. It seems incredibly trivial, almost foolish, to struggle with something so seemingly basic, yet it remains my constant, frustrating adversary. Some days, this internal conflict leaves me utterly exasperated with myself, questioning my capacity for serenity and grace. The daily rhythm of life, punctuated by seemingly simple tasks, can quickly escalate into a trial by fire for my patience, especially when little ones are involved.
Just yesterday, a string of seemingly innocuous errands – blood work, returning a gift to Target – culminated in an afternoon of bike riding with the kids. While this sounds idyllic, those who know me understand the undercurrent of anxiety I can experience in such moments, a subtle tension that threatens to unravel my calm. I can almost hear the collective eye-rolling, perhaps even my own. I know the common advice: “Breathe.” And I do. “Forgive yourself.” And I try. But sometimes, these well-meaning platitudes feel insufficient against the relentless tide of daily frustrations. This isn’t about lacking self-awareness; it’s about a deeper, more persistent challenge that requires a different approach.
The Toddler Tango: A Test of Inner Strength
The truth is, I harbor an incredibly short fuse when it comes to the delightful, yet utterly demanding, phase of “toddler-ness.” Every parent understands the unique brand of patience required to navigate life with a small human who operates on their own distinct timeline. Getting a toddler into the car, for instance, can feel like an Olympic event. Their fascination with the wheels, their incessant chatter, their inability to multitask – “Just buckle up!” – transforms a simple task into an agonizing test of wills. My heart actually races, just thinking about it!
And then there are walks. Oh, the walks! They are, by definition, the slowest expeditions imaginable. Every foot of progress is interrupted by a captivating pebble, an intriguing patch of dirt demanding excavation, or a fascinating ant trail. “Oh my gosh, lol,” my heart physically clenches with anxiety just conjuring the image! The desire to rush, to propel them forward, battles fiercely with the knowledge that this is their way of experiencing the world. I recall telling you last year that I no longer pray for patience itself. Instead, my prayer shifted: I ask for the awareness to recognize when my impatience is rising, so I can consciously choose a different response. But even that, I’ve discovered, wasn’t quite enough to tame the fiery beast within.
Finding Resilience in Ancient Wisdom: The Story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
This morning, as I wrestled with these persistent struggles, my thoughts drifted to an ancient biblical account – the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three young men, devout believers in God, faced an extraordinary challenge. Their king, Nebuchadnezzar, decreed that all must bow down and worship a massive golden idol. For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, this was an impossibility; their faith forbade bowing to anything but their one true God.
When they steadfastly refused, the king, consumed by fury, threatened them with a fiery furnace. “Don’t you know I can cast you into the fire?” he roared, confident in his absolute power. Their response, however, was a testament to unwavering faith and courage. They replied, not with defiance, but with serene conviction: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Their message was clear: our God can save us, but even if He chooses not to, our loyalty remains with Him. This profound commitment, this willingness to trust God’s plan regardless of the outcome, resonated deeply with my own personal battles.
The Unwavering Power of a Miraculous God
This world often feels overwhelming, chaotic, and relentlessly demanding. Yet, I cling to the belief in a God who is capable of anything, whose power transcends our understanding and our limitations. We have witnessed glimpses of this power, even in recent times. After the worldwide fasts, there was a palpable shift, a sense that things genuinely changed for the better, even if only for a time. It was the return of angry words and hardened hearts that threatened to pull us back into contention. But the fact that God didn’t permanently halt every global challenge doesn’t diminish His boundless capacity to do so, nor does it negate His profound interest in our individual lives.
And that same all-powerful God, the one who can part seas and deliver from fiery furnaces, is just as intimately invested in my struggle to overcome a fiery temper as a mother, in that moment when I want to scream, “Come on, get in the car!!!!” He is as concerned with this small, personal miracle of self-control as He is with the grander miracles we seek for the world. To some, this might seem a ridiculous comparison, an oversimplification of divine concern. But for me, it speaks to the deep, personal nature of God’s love. All I have ever truly wanted is a close-knit family, a home where love and snuggling are the guiding principles, where warmth and understanding triumph over frustration.
Cultivating a Miraculous Heart: The Path to Stronger Families
Inspired by the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, I am determined to adopt a new strategy. When I feel that familiar sharpness rising, when my impatience begins to boil over, I will intentionally conjure the image of that ancient king and the unwavering stance of those three faithful boys. And then, I will consciously utter a new affirmation, a personal prayer that seeks a miracle within: “My God is a God of miracles, even a miracle with my heart and tone.” This isn’t a passive wish; it’s an active declaration of belief, an invitation for divine intervention in the very core of my being.
I will then strive to truly believe in His power to transform me, even in these seemingly small, everyday battles. This commitment is not a cure for global pandemics, nor does it promise an end to all worldly suffering. But perhaps, just perhaps, cultivating strong, loving, and patient families – families where hearts are softened and tones are kind – is a profound step towards healing the world. Perhaps the greatest miracles begin not with grand gestures, but with the quiet, persistent work within our own hearts and homes. It is in these daily acts of faith, patience, and gratitude that we truly begin to see, and experience, the miraculous.