A few months ago, my city got several inches of snow overnight. The condo association where I live likes us to move our vehicles so they can keep the parking lots clear, so before I needed to get on Zoom for another meeting I donned my coat, mittens, and boots to move my car. When I stepped outside, I was surprised to discover someone had already brushed the new accumulation of snow off my car, so it was ready for me to get in without sending a cascade of flurries onto my seat when I opened the door.
I paused for a moment and looked around. Though I’ve lived here for several years, I don’t know many of my neighbors; and none of them are at a level where I’d call them friends. Yet it was no coincidence—it hadn’t magically not snowed on my car overnight.
After months and months of an ongoing pandemic, my arrangement of living alone, working from home, and having very limited in-person social interaction out of care for others had been wearing on me. Ingrained in many of us, and certainly in me, is a desire to feel seen, acknowledged, and cared for in ways that speak meaningfully to us. As I settled into my seat in my un-snowy car, I held back tears that would’ve instantly frozen to my face. Someone had seen me. Maybe not even me, specifically, as they approached the vehicle, but they saw a need and fulfilled it.
As we’ve all been weighed down throughout the pandemic, our capacity to care for ourselves well has in some ways diminished, and in turn our capacity to care for others. But perception is not always reality, and I knew that’s where I was—not actually uncared for by the people in my life, but the feeling had been seeping in for some time. I was hesitant to explore the feeling further, because underneath I feared were some uglier roots—that I wasn’t just forgotten by people, but maybe God had forgotten me too.
That’s not a comfortable thing to admit, because as someone who follows Jesus, it seems like I should know better and that knowledge should be enough. Yet even King David wrestled with feeling forgotten at times. In Psalm 13 he writes:
How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me? (vv. 1–2 NIV)
Only a few weeks before, as I had worked to brush several inches of heavy snow off my car, I had “sorrow in my heart” as I thought how tiresome it was to always do these everyday tasks by myself. In years’ past, coworkers or friends or family members occasionally would help me, but since my daily patterns have shifted so greatly, those kinds of connections just don’t happen. It took a couple of weeks, but here was my gift, the exact thing I had wished for—a kind act that proved I was not alone. My neighbor couldn’t have known that.
In my very cold parking lot, this small, simple act reminded me so clearly: I was not forgotten. I am not forgotten.
At the end of Psalm 13, King David finds his reminder as well:
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the LORD’s praise,
for he has been good to me. (vv. 5–6)
We can never fully know the motivation behind someone’s actions, and since I don’t even know which neighbor helped me, I certainly can’t know theirs. They may not see it the way I do, but I felt God using their actions to show me a truth I deeply needed in that moment.
As I think back on that snowy encounter, I’m reminded to look closely enough at my own life to see the reminders of God’s kindness unfolding right in front of me and to choose to bring those acts of kindness to others. Where have you felt God’s kindness to you lately, whether through the actions of others, a particularly beautiful sunset, or an encouraging word from a friend? And where can you be an agent of God’s kindness for others? It doesn’t have to be something extravagant. Simply sharing a little time, energy, money, or words could be the exact reminder someone else has been waiting to see.
—Written by Brianna DeWitt. Used by permission of the author.
25 Responses
I enjoy reading "God Hears Her". Beautifully written, always.
Thank you
I needed this on this day 🙌. Change my heart ❤ and mind Lord to be more kind to mankind.
Thank you for sharing your heart! Your experience definitely resonates. I want to be that person that offers to others the reminder of God’s great love.
My cousin was recently diagnosed with cancer and I thought it would be nice to send her a card of comfort. Cause when my mother was going through her cancer treatment having someone send a note of comfort, text message or a phone call. Family means a lot all the time, but when you are going through cancer treatment you need family more than ever.
Beautiful words. How awesome that our Lord never forgets us. We are known and loved by Him, ALWAYS!!
Praise God for His faithfulness!! 🛐
Thank you for sharing reminds of God’s perfect love for us. If we get still long enough we will see in our everyday lives His goodness and mercy. May we live in this world with live in our hearts for our fellow man.
Beautiful reminder that we are not forgotten and we are seen by God!!
Beautiful 💐🌼🌻🌷🌸💠🌺
Wow, did this reflection hit home with me. These words are also mine: "After months and months of an ongoing pandemic, my arrangement of living alone, working alone, and having very limited in-person social interaction out of care for others had been wearing on me. Ingrained in many of us, and certainly in me, is a desire to feel seen, acknowledged, and cared for in ways that speak meaningfully to us." I have been the one constantly reaching out to check in on my friends – most of who have families they have shared this time with. None have returned the favor. I don’t reach out in hopes of some return on my investment – only that they would know I care. It is hard to walk alone in this world – even for independent ol’ me. I long to be seen, especially as the activities that once filled my life with others have been shut down. I fear that their lives have moved on – without me – as they too adjust to this new way of living and being and find a new rhythm that will carry them forward. With what and who will I carry forward? It is easy to say "What a Friend I have in Jesus!" but believing it sometimes is very hard. I won’t quit reaching out. It is my hope to be a blessing as you were blessed.
I loved reading your post, and it reminds me to ‘do small things with great love’ as Mother Theresa reminded us. We never know the impact of those small things on someone else. When I do small things to help others, often anonymously, it gives me joy to think that it might give the recipient joy as well. I think I’ll get out there today and do something for someone else!
Jesus I pray for comfort and peace to those around me. Use me Heavenly Father for Your Glory this day.
Isn’t it great that Our Lord Jesus Christ loves us enough to see our little dilemmas! Even though life can get us down I say verses and songs that keep Jesus close to me. HE does not move away but sometimes I do! Jesus is awesome and I’m so glad I’m HIS child!
This was right on time for me as I am in a season where I definitely feel as if God has forgotten me. He’s allowed me the ability to come through a traumatic time that has created a major shift and transition in my life. The shift or transition like dynamite, has rearranged my life in such a way that it looks unfamiliar, and I don’t know how to pick up and walk.
My goodness, I needed to hear this today! I am struggling terribly from the isolation and everyday I am being faithful in my prayer time with God, but it seems He is silent! I am crying out, yet I see Him in the redbirds and iris, the blue sky and much needed rain. Thank you for your timely reflection. It really touched my heart! Blessings! Michelle
BEAUTIFUL Story..So true we never know what God will have others do for us…God Bless whoever helped you…lv Sandra
Awesome!!!!
Thanks for sharing! Remember, you are never alone or has been forgotten when you are a child of God.
Gods tenderness has been revealed many times this past year in ways that are hard to explain. One way, was last spring, beginning of the pandemic, the spring bird migration was prolifically noted in my back yard. I am a birder as a hobby and I was touched beyond words how God showed me his creation daily. I observe 23 different types of birds, many were what are called “lifers”— ones you never have seen but want to see badly.
It’s a small observation, but it allowed me to sit outside, and be at peace during a very hard time.
I know God is near. He lives with in me, guides me, helps me pause throughout my days to see others who need encouragement and grace.
WOW…words of wisdom!
Thank you,
Suzie T.
Beautiful and timely reminder! Be Jesus to someone today!
Lovely. Thank you.
I must say that God has blessed me by putting me in a neighborhood where neighbors care about each other. I am a senior citizen no longer able to do a lot of things I used to do, but my neighbors are there when I can’t be! I am truly blessed and I give all the glory to God!
Little things don’t mean a lot, they mean everything.
He is always there for us and when we need it most He shows his Presence.
wonderful "letter",I think it speaks to most of us