“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me” ~ Genesis 16:13 (NIV)

Grief is a unique journey for each person.  

July marked the first anniversary of the death of a dear friend I met only a few years ago in seminary. As I neared the anniversary, I realized I would be traveling again, like I had when I went to California to see J for the last time this side of heaven. At that time she was on hospice, but still functioning well enough to go out to lunch with me and another dear friend. We laughed, cried, and even prayed together. I knew I would never forget those holy ground moments.   

This summer, I boarded my first flight to Chicago from Louisville, Ky. with my destination being Montana for vacation. This was an early Saturday morning flight on an airline (as of now) that lets you select your seat when you get on the plane. I chose an aisle seat waiting to get up for that person who would sit in the middle seat of this full flight.  

I watched as people filed down the aisle looking for their seats. Then I noticed someone familiar. I thought I saw one of J’s daughters walking past me and toward the back of the plane with her husband. I got up to let that middle-seat passenger in my row and looked to confirm it was her. I called her name, and she responded with a delighted and shocked expression. We decided to connect after the flight in Chicago.

After arriving in Chicago, we hugged and shared how much J would’ve loved this unexpected connection. I discovered J’s daughter was headed to California to be with her sisters and together remember their mom for this first anniversary of her death. It seemed like this moment was a gift to J’s daughter, too.

During my layover in Chicago, I pondered all that had transpired. The Lord whispered to me, I see you, Krishana. I know you. I love you, Krishana. I know your heart hurts and that what is going on internally isn’t always perceived by those around you.  

This was a surprise reminding me that not a single moment of my life goes unnoticed by God.  

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.” ~Psalm 139:1-3 (NIV)

Reflect:

• How has the Lord reminded you recently that He sees, knows, and loves you?   

• Hold your hands open and hold the words “seen”, “known”, and “loved”. Ask God if there is one of those words He wants to highlight and begin this conversation with Him.  

• How does being seen, known, and loved by God influence your daily life and relationships?