{{item.title | uppercase}}

“You are El-Roi,” for she said, “In this place, have I actually seen the one who sees me?”
Genesis 16:13 (CSB)

Have you ever encountered a moment that made you glance upwards and exclaim, “I know that was you, God!”? Some might dismiss it as mere coincidence or happenstance, but I prefer to call these instances “Godwinks.”

Now before you think I have coined a new word let me assure you I am not that original.

The term, Godwink, was actually coined by author, Squire Rushnell and made popular through several Hallmark movies starring Kathie Lee Gifford.

The dictionary defines a Godwink as an event or personal experience, often identified as coincidence, so astonishing that it is seen as a sign of divine intervention.

Coincidence?

I don’t believe there is such a thing as coincidences; in fact, the Hebrew language lacks a word for them. The absence of such a term in Hebrew emphasizes the belief that events are not merely random chance occurrences.

Godwinks are those beautiful moments that reveal the presence of God and His ongoing communication with us.

In the years since my husband’s death, I have had many Godwinks. Let me share a few.

While driving home from work on a summer evening, I was amazed to witness the harmonious dance of rain and sunshine, resulting in not just one, but numerous rainbows. The sky ahead displayed a majestic rainbow stretching from one mountain to another. As I navigated through the tranquil country roads, rainbows adorned the landscape in all directions, enveloping me in their beauty. Sometimes, I found myself driving under them, with rainbows seemingly right in front of me. At other moments, through my side window, it appeared as if an entire rainbow was playfully keeping pace with my car. This awe-inspiring sight served as a poignant reminder of the abundance of God’s promises that surround us every day.

On a different occasion, I stepped out my back door and discovered a majestic white lily standing tall. The mysterious appearance puzzled me as I couldn’t recall planting it. Right then, it became evident to me that this was a Godwink – a divine sign sent from above to reinforce the hope and joy we receive through Christ’s resurrection.

One final Godwink

One Sunday, I struggled to find the motivation to attend church. Running late and considering skipping the service, I felt an inner nudge to go. Heeding that feeling, I quickly got ready and headed out.

When I arrived, the service was already underway, so I quietly found a seat. Afterward, I had a heartfelt conversation with a woman sitting in front of me, who had recently lost her husband. She was in tears, expressing how difficult life was without him. I empathized with her pain and offered comfort.

During our conversation, she mentioned that she was grateful I had come to church that morning because she needed to talk to someone who understood her grief. At that moment, I realized that my inner urging to attend the service was a divine appointment set by God—a Godwink!

I could go on and on telling you about all the Godwinks I have experienced since becoming a widow but I need to wrap this story up in a neat little bow.

These Godwinks teach us a profound truth

We are never alone. God is always aware of what is happening in our lives, and He sends these gentle reminders to assure us of His presence and support. They are like little signs that say, “I am here with you, I’ve got your back, and I see you.”

They serve as an encouragement to keep moving forward on our path.

It’s essential to be attentive and not overlook the Godwinks that unfold around us every day. God reveals Himself not only in grand events but also in the small, seemingly insignificant moments of our lives.

Take some time to reflect on past occurrences when you experienced a Godwink. Acknowledge how perfectly timed they were, assuring you that you are not alone in this world. Offer gratitude to God for continuously communicating with you when you needed it most. Let these Godwinks serve as a constant reminder that He is always by your side throughout your journey in life.

Lord, I thank you that you are the God who sees us. Give us eyes to see you in the ordinary and the mundane as we journey through life. May we live in a sense of awe for the God of the Universe who bends down and winks at us. Amen.