God with Us in the Ordinary

I used to think that when God shows up, it's in a life-altering, magnanimous way! Thunder and lightning, fire and brimstone, great earthquakes, the dead raised to life, the sick instantly healed. Although the Bible testifies that those things do happen when God is present, it also tells of stories when God manifests as a small, still voice.

Jesus came into the world not as a prince with fanfare, but in a quiet, dark stable. No one noticed but the shepherds and the Magi, and of course Mary & Joseph. It was just another ordinary day for the shepherds until the host of angels showed up. The Magi were most likely not expecting to find a king in a dark, musty stable, but that's where Jesus was.

He is always with us, even in the ordinary, everyday life. He is with us as we care for our little ones when they're teething, in our conversation with a co-worker, while we think about what to make for lunch. And yes, as we wash the dishes, fold the freshly laundered clothes, get the kids ready for school, mop the floor, scrape scribbles and drawings off the wall... He is present, with us, just a quiet, small, still voice. He wants to speak to you, encourage you, and remind you that He loves you and He sees all your hard work and sacrifice. All we have to do is stop and take a listen. Maybe try that today and enjoy His presence that gives us rest.