Seeing God in All Things

For my determined purpose is that I may know Him that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly . . . Phil 3:10

The changing power of prayer

Before the Watchman retreat in November 2017, I never set aside a specific time every day to pray. I prayed when I wanted to and always very casually, never seriously or deeply unless I needed God. I treated God like He was my fairy Godmother.  And yet,  inspite of myself, He was always there comforting me and helping me. However, instead of growing to appreciate Him more, I took Him for granted.  I continued to get caught up with all kinds of distractions and never making God my focus.

Turning to God in prayer

During the Watchman retreat, away from all the distractions, I could finally focus on God. I started praying more intentionally and regularly. I learnt discipline in carrying out my spiritual exercises. As someone who has always struggled with discipline, I never understood the need for it in my relationship with God. As I began implementing these exercises in my spiritual life, there were challenges still. I struggled with listening while praying. I still do. But as I began to read and meditate on the Word of God, I was filled with peace.

Seeing God in all things

A few years ago, I heard this recently converted Catholic tell me that when she was in the RCIA she was constantly taught to see God in all things. Only now do I realize what she meant. During the retreat, I began to see the many different ways God blesses us. I began to see God in the sun, the beautiful trees and flowers, and in us – His most beautiful creation. Instead of rushing through life and doing things routinely, I stopped to acknowledge each moment, and to see that God was there in each moment. But I could only feel Him when I was calm and at peace and free from distractions. What I needed was to be open to receiving Him at all times.

“ …more than seeing God in the spectacular, we need to see Him in the everyday, mundane human experiences. I always thought I needed to hear God speak to me or experience Him in a spectacular way and that would change everything in my life. But now I know how wrong I was. ”  

“After the retreat, my eyes were opened to see the beauty of God and His blessings in the things around me. All of creation points to the Creator and I am in awe of His power and love. But more than anything, I am so grateful and thankful. God gives us more blessings than I can ever understand or be aware of, and yet I grow deeper with the realization and gratitude each day.”