Encountering God in the Ordinary

What did you do yesterday? Do you have to pull out your Blessed is She Liturgical Planner to remember (because I do)? Whom did you have conversations with over text, in person, or on the phone? Whom did you dine with and what did you eat? Were your eyes fixed on your cell phone most of the day, or did you strike up a conversation with someone God positioned in your life?

Sometimes it seems only the big moments of life get our attention: the anniversaries, vacations, birthday, and graduations. Yet, it’s in the ordinary, minute-by-minute moments where we encounter God the strongest.

At the start of the year, I began a daily examine journal reflecting on the seemingly insignificant responsibilities of my day and, to my amazement, I am more aware of God’s companionship than ever before. I notice it when I demand control instead of surrender, or when God consoles me with a call from a friend, or when I allow His Precious Body to linger a few seconds longer on my tongue and am left breathless with only the Holy Spirit's inspiration remaining in me.

Oh, to read Christ's handwriting on a scroll—how I wish He wrote as Saint Paul wrote! Saint John read my mind when he wrote, “There are so many other things Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25)

What were those intimate conversations Christ had with people on the way to His next destination? Who sheltered Him and the Apostles, and what meals did they share? Did they debate the Old Testament, sing, laugh, dance, and enjoy a nice wineskin with one another? What parables were shared or miracles took place in private that were never written down leading unbelievers to believe and follow Him?

I suppose I'm meant to be left pondering the countless books I will never read about Christ’s earthly life. I pray I can discover His presence throughout the moments of my day from when the sunlight hits my eyelids until the final examination. These rapid flashes become the story God writes about our lives; what glorious accounts they are of our brokenness and boldness in proclaiming the Good News.

I pray I can discover His presence throughout the moments of my day.Click to tweet

How can you find Christ in the ordinary moments of your day? Take a moment and look for Him today.

Tricia Tembreull is a California girl with a Texas-sized heart for hospitality. She serves as a Parish Coach for Life Teen, International, and joyfully travels around the globe training, empowering, and praying with youth ministers. When not on a plane, she is either in church, spending time with family or friends, in the kitchen cooking up something delightful, or on the beach for an evening walk. You can find out more about her here.