In the morning, the fan hums gently. My face covered by warm blankets, and fluffy pillows support my head. When I’m ready to say yes to the day, my feet touch the ground, I slip on warm, clean socks and walk to the bathroom, where I brush my teeth and wash my face. I pour a cold glass of water and brew a fresh pot of hot coffee. I do my hair and make-up for the day and gather my things to walk to my car that drives me to work.
My brain is alert, carrying knowledge, fierceness, and patience throughout the shift. My hands heal. My heart offers love. My mouth speaks life. My ears listen intently. My eyes witness stories unfolding all around me.
I hear music on the radios, birds in the trees, and violins playing in the background of life. I see color, the beauty of faces, the graceful swaying of trees and green grass. I can feel the warmth of another person’s hug. I can smell someone’s perfume as they pass me by.
And, I can put socks on my feet.
My body can do so much that I often take for granted.
I complain about traffic, yet I arrive home safely. I worry about affording school, yet every payment is paid. I wonder if I’ll eat dinner, yet I never go hungry. I fear not being enough in my career, yet I have a career. I can move freely, speak clearly, and hear others in return. I can hold a baby and breathe in life all around me. I have the freedom to share my thoughts, to work, to vote, to worship. I can say goodbye, say hello, eat without issue, and use the restroom with ease.
And every day, I can put socks on my feet; so simple, so ordinary, yet deeply taken for granted.
I meet many people in my line of work. I hear their stories. I witness the brokenness whether it’s physical, mental, or spiritual. The elderly man who falls when walking to the restroom. The young adult now paralyzed, trapped in a body that no longer moves. The woman who woke up to her boyfriend’s violence. The child who goes hungry, not because there’s no food, but because no one cares enough to feed them. The aging man who no longer gets to make his own decisions and says he’s ready to die. The women my age who could no longer carry the weight of life. The teenager who was punished for simply taking a nap, choosing to rest. The man battling alcoholism, whose shame consumes him after relapse. And the people who don’t have a home that lean on a high just to make it another day.
God has shown me life through people. I’m reminded of the strong and the barely holding on. And through them, I’m shown how fragile we all are.
This piece is inspired by a gentleman I pass nearly every day. He’s always in the same spot, at the same intersection, at the same time every day. We always wave at each other. And today, I truly noticed his smile; so big, so warm, and so bright.
Today, I realized something.
He may not have clean socks.
He may not have a warm blanket for his face in the morning, or dinner to eat every night.
But he has a smile. And that smile reminded me to smile.
Everything in this world- regretful arguments, meaningless complaints, and anxious worrying- is, in the end, all meaningless. But even in the middle of all the noise, we’re still offered moments of stillness. Of beauty. Of connection. Of grace.
I want to be your reminder that God never promised an easy life. He didn’t promise a life without pain or struggles. In the greatest Book ever written, throughout all of history, we see the raw struggles of humanity. Stories filled with grief, betrayal, weakness, and loss, yet redemption is woven through every line. Why? Because God is a faithful God. All He asks of us is to invite Him into our struggles, because without Him, it’s all meaningless.
Today, although I cried, I also smiled through my own struggles. Because today, I could put socks on my feet. Today, the same gentleman, at the same intersection, at the same time, smiled at me again. And today, he reminded me that I have clean socks to wear, and a life full of grace I don’t deserve, but am thankful for all the same.
I don’t know if you’re looking for spiritual encouragement here or just trying to find enough strength to make it to tomorrow. I’m sure you’ve been overwhelmed by the chaos of life, and the loudness it brings. And maybe you just need a moment to breathe and reflect. So, let me remind you that God is a faithful God. He draws near to the brokenhearted. He is the Good Shepherd calling His sheep home.
You are His child, and all He wants is to give you warm, clean socks to wear.
As you finish reading this, I hope you begin to notice the small winks of joy and love surrounding you. I call them God winks. A wink of love. A wink to remind you that He’s holding you in the palm of His hand. A wink that nudges your heart to be grateful, to share what He’s given you- just as He’s done with me, for you.
With lots of love,
Christina
