A few days ago, I had the opportunity to be at Praxis 2026 at the Eastern European Bible College. One of the participants, Ionuț Cornea, shared a reflection that has stayed with me—and I wanted to pass it along because it speaks to something we all need.
Here’s the truth he started with:
God finds pleasure in us… before we do anything.
Before Jesus began His ministry, God spoke over Him: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
It’s a reminder that our value isn’t earned—it’s given.
But here’s the tension we all feel: Life is loud, fast, and full of distractions.
We move from one thing to the next, often missing what matters most. Not because God is absent—but because our attention is. Ionuț put it simply: "Where we give our attention… is where we give our lives."
And the invitation? To slow down and notice.
Because God is already present: in the quiet moments, in everyday routines, in conversations, meals, and even the ordinary tasks of life. Sometimes, the deepest encounters with Him don’t come in big, dramatic moments—but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12).
Here’s the good news: Hope isn’t something we have to manufacture. It’s something we receive—and carry with us, even when life feels uncertain.
It shows up in small, meaningful ways: a shared meal, a moment of gratitude, giving someone your full attention, simple acts of love. Even when we feel like we’re running on empty, hope remains.
So here’s the question we’re left with: Where did I see God today… and where was I too hurried to notice Him?
If we want a deeper life with God, we don’t have to start with something big. We can start with attention. Maybe today, before moving on to the next thing, we simply pause and pray: “Here I am, Lord.” You might be surprised where you meet Him.
Thank you for being part of this work to create spaces like Praxis where leaders' lives are being shaped in lasting ways and in turn, hundreds of people across Romanian communities are blessed.