From the beginning of time, humanity has been woven together as a tapestry, each held in place by the Creator of the Cosmos and the Writer of Story. From the moment God spoke our world into existence, our stories- our very lives-  have been woven into a web of chaotic, beautiful grace that somehow originates from one thread in God’s hand. Each story holds a piece of the intricate tapestry God has been sewing together for thousands of years, your story no less a piece of the tapestry than Ruth’s story. Or Joan of Arc. Or Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, or any other name you could think of. There is a thread in the tapestry of time with your name on it, no other created being able to become that thread with the same luster, value, richness, hue, or texture. Your thread in the tapestry of the world is made known through living wholeheartedly, recognizing God’s Presence in your story, and courageously sharing it with others.

It’s a Saturday morning, not much happening at the moment in my home. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air and the gurgle of the coffee pot rings in my ears. I pour a hot cup of deliciousness and head to the back porch. Taking a seat and a deep sigh, I notice a woodpecker in search of his breakfast. The red-headed beauty brings a smile to my face as I marvel at his perfectly painted head and take that first sip of liquid gold! …God- He is everywhere, the vast evidence of His handiwork at every angle. I spend a few moments practicing His Presence with me and feel His deep Spirit of peace wash over me. I could have dismissed the woodpecker, moving on in my thoughts and with my day,  but remembering God’s presence when looking at His creative expressions empowers me to move throughout my morning completely aware and with open eyes to look for Him every place I turn; it enables me to live life wholeheartedly. I can be doing everything and nothing yet still am able to live fully, because it is being aware of His Presence that is the conduit to wholehearted living. 

I continue my slow morning entering into conversation with my children, my husband, and a friend on the phone. With each passing minute, I remind myself to fix my focus-my gaze- on God’s Presence. 2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” As I train my mind and my emotions to look for God, I find Him in the simple, in the mundane, in His creation, and (of course) in His Word. It is in the small everyday moments that He begins to teach me the depths of His truth. He pours His wisdom into me, overwhelming me with His goodness…but it was “just a woodpecker.” 

As the tapestry of time unfolds, I am able to stand back and see how my unique story is being weaved into God’s remarkable story. Recognizing God in the mundane and simple moments become points of reference when my humanity overtakes me and I forget that He is here. They become grounding beliefs, my very identity built from an Almighty God. I know who I am because He has shown me, taught me, and poured into me…but it was “just a woodpecker.” 

All of life is made up of stacks upon stacks of simple, mundane moments (woodpeckers, if you will)…with a handful of mountaintops and valleys thrown in to keep things interesting. Will you decide in your heart to see these simple moments as holy? They are, for the Creator of the universe is in them. Will you ask for open eyes to begin seeing Him in the moments? If you will, your simple moments will become the very things God uses to help you see your story weaved into the greater story of time. He is good. He wastes nothing. Your life, my life…they are all intricately woven pieces in the greatest tapestry ever created. 

Take time today to notice the small things. Perhaps it is a smile from a stranger. Or maybe the tiny yellow flower growing between the cracks of concrete. Whatever it is, allow yourself to see it as a kiss from the Lord; a way He is showing up, loving you, encouraging you, and speaking to you through the simple moments of the day. 

-Christi