One of my favorite questions to ask groups is pretty simple - “Where did you see God today?” It seems small and easy, but as a question on the spot it gets you thinking. When I’m being my best self, it’s something I ask myself daily. I believe that God lives and breathes in the big and small moments. God is in the webs of relationships, everyday random happenings, and the people I come across daily. Each affords an opportunity to see God and say “Yes”.
I believe that many of these “Yesses” are opportunities to be God’s light in the world.
I have a kid in elementary school this year. You guys, we thought last year was tough. It’s got nothing on this year. Luckily I have a couple of groups of parents to talk through the daily struggle. One of these groups is a message thread of fellow 2nd grade mommas at our campus. Each day (even in this small group) we have quarantines, symptoms, positive tests, and the general frustration as we try to keep our kids as safe as possible. One of the moms posted on Thursday that she bought an air filter for her kid’s classroom. People immediately offered to chip in. In that moment, I knew we could do more. It was an immediate “Yes”.
I offered to collect funds to buy as many air filters as we could for all of the 2nd grade classes. We already had one filter and just needed a few more. Within 4 hours we were able to purchase air filters for every 2nd grade class as well as the art and music classrooms. They were overnighted and delivered the very next day. We’re on our way to purchasing a couple more for the nurses office and the dyslexia room. I’m still in shock at how fast this moved. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit that evening.
Every now and then, something sparks. Sparks lead to light. You get that feeling that if you just step forward or take a little initiative, big things could happen. I believe that God was all over and within that moment in time - the community of moms, the mom that bought the first filter, the families generously willing to chip in, meeting more than our quick goal, the teachers that love on our kids daily, the ability to protect our kids a little more - I could go on. Once the ball got rolling there were quite a few “Yesses” happening.
I pray that each of us find a way to say “Yes” today so that we might be God’s light in this world. May we be ready to say “Yes” in unexpected places.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
-Matthew 5:14-16
Written By: Abby Johnson