This lent look for God’s signs.
Margaret waited for God to send her a sign. She wanted it to reassure her that she was choosing the right thing. Margaret just wanted to be certain God was okay with what she wanted to do. That morning she pleaded in her prayer: “God give me a sign. Give me a sign that you are okay with me and my decision.”
Margaret didn’t realize that God is always finding little ways to help us make good choices. She then asked her mom, “How do I know?” Her mom replied, “Didn’t God create us to love Him and we love Him in return? God wants you with Him and will do everything He can simply to make this happen! So why wouldn’t God give the support to make that happen?” But Margaret had more questions. She said, “Okay, I get that, but where do I find these signs? Where do I look?” “Well, we can’t look up at the sky or we’ll miss them. Instead, we must look here all around in our daily lives. The signs are right before our eyes!” her mom said.
If God is with us, then so are His signs. Think of a time when you were surprised to receive a phone call or note from a friend you haven’t heard from in a while. With the conversation completed, you are suddenly refreshed and renewed. This is a sign from a caring God reminding us that He hasn’t forgotten us.
How about when family and friends unexpectedly pop into our hospital room and chase away those down in the dump’s feelings! These convivial visitors with their hugs and smiles are God reassuring us that He sees you and is doing all He can for you.
What about that long-awaited forgiveness from someone we love who we hurt badly? God is in that mercy too. Yes indeed, these are special signs coming right from God’s goodness just for you, and they tell you He remembers where you are and loves you.
Indeed, we have a loving God who is always sending signs. However, we must look and see where God is scattering them. Margaret, and everyone else seeking them, can find them. God is creative, but He does want them found. They point the way for us and encourage us on our journey. But most of all, signs reassure us to follow Jesus closely right into the arms of God, our Father.
