Theresa Haenn

Coming into winter when we have already felt bone-chilling cold; days that are gray and nights that are long leading to the next day’s opening with breathtakingly harsh, cold air – even when the sun comes out. It is on days like this that I just want to sit under a blanket next to the fire with a hot cup of coffee comforted by the light in my space, and the warmth that surrounds me. 

Some days life is like this time by the fire. Comfortable. Predictable. Warm. Soothing. Enjoyable.  

Then there are the days – and even full seasons - that leave us feeling parched; cold; worried; and out of control. Nothing truly soothes us, even if we have a blanket or a cup of coffee at hand. This is when I imagine God is listening to other people’s prayers and I am walking on the pathway alone, thinking that eventually he will catch up to me, but for the time being, it is a not yet. 

And then, I get a call from someone who just wants to check in. How are you? Tell me what is going on. This feels good. Like a warm hug. 

And then, there is a shift in the air around me. It is still cold but no longer biting. Just chilly. 

And then, something else shifts and like a crocus bursting forth in color through the snow, hope is visible. As the crocus blooms colorful and brilliant – even for just a few days, I notice a shift in my thinking from waiting for God to join me, to recognizing that God has been here the whole time. 

Our life has challenges. I am learning to give to God the things that I can’t control, because God is over all things. Our God holds the warmth of a hug; the caring phone call from someone we haven’t talked to in a while; the random connection with people we meet who simply say, “hello, I see you.” This kind of comfort and support comes just at the right time, when I really need it. I call these my God moments. 

He is here every day; every moment; in every thing.