God Sightings

Now that we've settled into a routine that doesn't look like it's going back to normal any time soon, we face a new challenge: laziness, or what the Catholic Church defines as a sin called "sloth".

For the first week or two, staying home instead of going to school, sports, and work was a novelty. We were forced to slow down from the daily grind and spend time on the things we normally would neglect. Whether that's prayer, reading, enjoying creation, or spending time with family, we've had two weeks now to settle into a new way of life.

After two weeks, though, public officials have announced that this routine will continue for at least another month, maybe more. For most, the novelty has worn off by now, and we face the danger of becoming too used to the routine.

How?

I'll just use the example of a New Year's resolution. We start out strong, wanting to make the most out of the coming year, only for that excitement to die off in a matter of weeks. When the novelty of a new year and "new me" simmers down, so does our motivation to make it the best year yet.

In the same way, we may have started out strong during this time at home with our families, with an agenda of all the things we want to get done before we go back to our regular routine. We're at the point now when the novelty may begin to wear off. Maybe it already has for some of us, and maybe some of us are still making the most of every day, but especially during the next month, chances are high that most of us hit that point before things go back to "normal".

So, what can we do in the meantime to make sure we don't settle into laziness, or "sloth", during the rest of our time at home?

There could be a million and one answers to that question, depending on what each of our hobbies and talents are, but there's (at least) one that applies to all of us -- what people call "God sightings".

For those who helped with the kids' Vacation Bible Camp over the summer, you probably remember the "Watch for God" wristbands. With those wristbands, we challenged the kids to watch for God's presence in their normal lives every day.

Especially now, while we're generally living simpler lives than usual, that's an excellent challenge for not just kids, but for the rest of us, too. If we make it a goal every day to find just one little way we see God's presence, that small, simple action can open our eyes to whatever other blessings might come our way during this time. And, when we recognize these things, that prevents us from becoming lazy and wasting away this time of simplicity and stillness God has given to us.

Speaking from personal experience here -- this easy practice can really set the tone for the day. I've found myself feeling much more positive and grateful whenever I pay attention to "God sightings", and it motivates me to make each day the best it can be.

Each morning, try starting the day with a simple prayer asking God to let you see His presence in your daily activities. During family time or a walk around the neighborhood, or during personal prayer time or the chance to pursue a hobby, keep your mind and heart open to seeing all the ways God might reveal Himself to you. You might find Him in the place you least expect.

On summer vacation with my family back in 2018, we were on a hike in Grand Teton National Park. We were surrounded by fresh greenery and forest all around, with some tree branches that had recently fallen during a big storm. As we came around the corner, off to our right, there was a thin fallen tree trunk that had gotten caught on another trunk... resting perfectly in the shape of a cross. Being with my family, surrounded by God's gorgeous creation, literally staring at a cross, I was reminded of just how incredible and loving God really is.

(And yes, I took a picture -- it was too perfect!)

Some "God sightings" are pretty obvious, like the tree cross, but others are more subtle. These subtle "God sightings" are what we're more likely going to experience during this time at home, but as long as we invite God into our day, we'll be able to recognize them just the same.

My "God sighting" this morning was stepping out onto my porch and feeling the fresh, crisp morning breeze with the birds chirping peacefully in the background while the rest of the world seemed so still. The only reason I did step outside was to bring the porch chair into the kitchen, because my sister and I are in the middle of moving and most of our furniture is gone. I definitely didn't expect to experience that sense of peace when I stepped outside, and I wasn't necessarily looking for it, but it helped me see God through the beauty of His creation.

What's your God sighting for today? Discuss in the comments!