There’s never a moment when God isn’t with us. Not one season, one situation, one corner of life where he isn’t already present – sometimes quietly, sometimes unmistakably, but always faithfully.
That truth has stayed with me lately. And it got me thinking: What if we could see his presence even in something as ordinary as a word? A single word – or even a handful – chosen at random. Nothing pre-selected or polished. Just a little experiment in paying attention and watching for God’s fingerprints.
So I pulled out the dictionary, flipped through its pages, closed my eyes, and let my finger land. I did this several times, curious to see what might rise to the surface.
Now, I’ll share the results with you and see what you think. First, I’ll give you the words. But before you read what they stirred in me, I invite you to pause with each one – just for a moment – and see what they might stir in you ….
– Wow. I can’t believe it. The first word I “pulled” from the dictionary was “relativistic.” At first glance, it sounds like a heavy scientific term, tied to Einstein’s theory of relativity – the idea that time, space and even light itself can change depending on the observer’s point of view. But as I thought about it, this word opened a window to a deeper spiritual truth.
God’s presence in the universe is, in a way, “relativistic.” He is not bound by the limits of human perspective, time or place. While our experiences may change and shift – one moment feeling close to God, another moment distant – he remains constant, transcending all frames of reference. Just as light, which moves at a constant speed no matter the observer, reflects God’s eternal presence, so does His love – steady and present everywhere.
Relativity shows us a universe far more vast and interconnected than we often realize. And God, the creator of it all, is intimately woven through every moment and molecule. Even when life feels uncertain or relative, his grace remains absolute, steady and always near.
– OK, it’s two for two in the I-can’t-believe-it category. Second word: cocobolo. Definition: a tropical, American tree having hard dark wood banded with light streaks; the wood of this tree, often used in cabinetwork. Never in my life have I heard this word.
Yet as I thought “cocobolo,” it struck me as a perfect metaphor for how God builds us. Like cocobolo wood, we’re crafted with strength and beauty, shaped over time, with light and dark streaks woven together. God is the Master Carpenter, working patiently to form us into what he intends – strong, unique, and purposeful.
– Ah … Finally! A word from my daily vocabulary: object.
On the surface, it’s simple – something you can see, touch or point to. But spiritually, I see it as a reminder that we are not just random objects in the universe. We were created with purpose, designed to reflect God’s image and love.
Sometimes, life can make us feel like mere objects – overlooked, moved around or taken for granted. But God doesn’t see us as things to be used or discarded. He sees us as beloved children, cherished beyond measure, each with a unique role in his grand design.
So whether you feel like an “object” caught up in the daily grind or someone searching for meaning, remember: In God’s eyes, you are an irreplaceable creation, crafted with intention and held close in his heart.
That’s where today’s little word journey ends.. Even though I already knew it, I’m freshly convinced that God is always present – even in our “random” moments. Maybe we’ll do this again sometime in the future when we want to marvel again at this thought.
Meanwhile, I invite you to contemplate the all-embracing nature of God’s presence in our lives, even in “random” moments. And if you’re curious, try opening your own dictionary – or better yet, your Bible – and see what God wants to show you.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
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