“What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.” Hebrews 11:1 TLB

Faith is something that has always created questions in my mind. Growing up in life, the Lutheran faith and attending confirmation classes were so important to me in my young life. However, I always believed that miracles and actually feeling God’s presence only happened in Biblical times and that no one experienced them in modern life. I wanted proof.

One sunny, cold winter day on my way home from confirmation class. I stopped at my Grandparent’s home to visit. My Grandpa, in the later stages of Alzheimer's, was experiencing confusion, outbursts, and erratic behavior that was certainly taking its toll on my Grandma. This particular day while sitting in their living room, my Grandpa reached for her hand and asked her to sit on his lap, something that really surprised me from these quiet, private Swedes. Immediately the sun beamed through the window and cast a sparkling ray exactly where  they sat. As Grandpa held Grandma’s hand, he apologized for his behavior and asked for her forgiveness for his actions and worlds. He didn’t mean to be a problem or a burden.

This only lasted a few moments before his mind was gone again but I clearly felt God’s presence in their living room that day. I had just experienced what I had only read about. I had my proof.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for always being a presence in my life. Help me to remain engaged in everyday experience so I will be aware of and recognize every blessing. Amen.