Pause

"How can you tell?"

That's a fair question whenever someone makes a prediction of what is going to happen, or even when they give an explanation for what is happening now.

There are signs for those who will see them. Take time now to watch for the signs God has for you.

Listen

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-11

Think

There are few phrases that a parent can say to his/her child that are any more important than the words, “I am proud of you.” Being proud of a child is not always about winning a game, getting a good grade or completing a task, but it’s about who that child is becoming. When I say that I am “proud” of one of my children, it’s because they are making choices that I clearly see as ones that show them growing into the person God intends them to be.

When Jesus is baptized and comes out of the water, it’s not just that he was baptized, but that he began to know who he was – a child of God. This realization was holy, and God, as a parent, was proud. As you live your life, know that God’s hope for you is not about success, but about making choices that bring you closer to being the person God intends you to be. Whether it is baptism, treating others with kindness, or sacrificing your own time in order to serve others, know that as you do so, God is well pleased.

Bruce Reyes-Chow

Pray

Loving God, help me live in a way that allows me to become the person you intend me to be. Amen.

Go

Go now with open eyes.
Go now with listening ears.
Make your way with the assurance
That God is leading you.
God is providing the signs you need
To see,
To hear,
To find your way.