Kristi Pennington

A few years ago, I heard someone say to pay attention because God is in everything. The words “God is in everything” were confusing to me, almost sounding heretical, but I now realize that it simply means living life in a place of awareness. It’s a place where I’m on the lookout for seeing the beauty and goodness of God in the ordinariness of daily living. This includes mindfulness, curiosity, and noticing.

What might this look like? For me it’s experiencing joy that rises when I see the beauty of red cardinals in my backyard, and there are many. It’s taking time to capture the awesomeness of a sunset, full moon, or a night glittered with stars. It’s hearing the laugh of a child or even the sound of my own laugh. It’s connecting with a friend, finding a saved fudge recipe, making it again, and it tasting really, really good. It’s saying a thank you prayer to God each time I notice these good and beautiful things that are grace gifts from God.

Noticing the goodness and beauty of God in the ordinary moments of life grounds me, shapes me, transforms me, disciples me. It’s a place where abundance grows, joy grows, connectedness to God grows. It’s a place of slowing down long enough to experience and enjoy the presence of God.

How about you? Are you noticing the grace gifts of God that are yours in abundance in the ordinary moments of each day? If not, what might you do to make this one of your daily sacred habits?