Finding the Good, Finding God

As I walked into the kitchen, I saw some familiar faces. One family has been at the shelter for nearly four months trying to get an appointment to cross the border. So, I had gotten to know them fairly well. However, as I pulled out a chair to sit down, nobody seemed to notice. For the next few moments, it was as if I was on the outside looking in, catching a glimpse of their normal day-to-day life. The mom was hunched over the kitchen table trying to open cans of beans with what could have only been a broken can opener. Her five-year-old son sitting across from her, a bit restlessly, and he began to sing. Even as she was struggling with the cans, she looked up at him to sing along, prompting him to continue. As his voice rang out, a smile appeared across her face. Her eldest daughter moved in the background of this picture with pans, just trying to do what she could to help her mom cook lunch. All of it seemed very ordinary, just a glimpse at what life may look like not only for them but for a lot of families. Yet, something so ordinary was also quite revealing, illustrating the goodness in each one of the people present.

There was a daughter, who knowing her mom could use an extra hand, stepped in to help her cook. There was a son making his mom smile even through a somewhat frustrating task. Finally, there was a mother who continued to care for her son even while she was preoccupied preparing lunch. Through knowing them and reflecting on this short glimpse into their lives, I saw a daughter with a servant’s heart, a son capable of sparking joy in others, and a mother who loves sacrificially. It was clear that this wasn’t a one-time event; these noble traits shone through even in the ordinary moments because these behaviors weren’t unexpected for them.

The son often brought a smile to people’s faces, whether it be by giving a hug, letting out a laugh, or singing a song. The daughter not only helped her mother cook this one time but often did. Their family had picked up and left their home country partially due to an abusive father. So, at only fourteen, she also helped care for her two younger siblings. The mom didn’t only show love to her kids but sacrificed for them. At one point along the journey to the northern border of Mexico, their family was abducted. It was made clear that their captors wanted her eldest daughter as payment to continue their passage to the border. Her mother did everything in her power to stop that from happening, so that they could remain together, and her daughter could be protected, even if it meant harm to herself. Moreover, she prayed to God for help through it all.

In all honesty, I had high expectations for my trip, particularly that it would be a time for me to build upon my relationship with God. Yet, I recently told someone that I couldn’t feel God’s presence. At times it felt as though God was just out of reach. Yet a psalm reads, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139: 7). The psalm goes on to describe God’s constant presence, a presence this family has felt throughout their lives in the worst, or more mundane of times. I think it’s easy to forget God’s omnipresence, particularly in ourselves and the people around us. It wasn’t until now as I reflect that I realized God was there with me all along, present in the people with whom I was working. For instance, within this family, I could see glimpses of the type of service, joy, sacrifice, and ultimately love that makes God who God is.

I’m convinced that if you look deeply enough, all people have a certain goodness about them. Yes, there are times when we wrong one another and go against God’s will. However, I find that as I get to know people, certain characteristics shine through that reveal who they truly are beneath the surface: a person made in the image of God. Applying this mindset has helped me recognize God’s presence more often and deepened my love for people. In a time when evil seems to rule the world, and all we hear is bad news, it’s quite comforting to acknowledge God’s presence, particularly when we see God at work in other people. It can change the way we interact with others. Once we are able to see God reflected in one another, even if just in an ordinary moment, we can find greater connection and love in some unexpected places.