God Winks

You know those moments when you're praying for a miracle? Like when you're at the World Series, your favorite team is down by three runs, and it seems nearly impossible for a comeback. Then, out of nowhere, the guy who's been in a batting slump all season hits a grand slam to win the game. It's the kind of moment that feels like pure luck, but deep down, you know it's more than that. It's a "God wink" — a little sign that the universe is aligning just the way it's supposed to.

I’ve always been a passionate person, someone who feels everything deeply and with intensity. It’s both a blessing and a curse. There are times when my passion drives me to pour my heart into everything I do, making me feel alive and purposeful. But there are also times when that same passion leaves me feeling vulnerable, questioning every decision, and wondering if I’m on the right path.

But here’s what I’ve come to realize: those moments of doubt, the ones that feel like detours or setbacks, are just as important as the victories. They are God winks in their own right, guiding us, teaching us, and preparing us for what’s to come. It’s like when you’re lost on a road trip and your GPS reroutes you through a scenic route you never would have taken otherwise. At first, you’re frustrated, but then you realize the beauty of the path you’re on. That detour wasn’t a mistake; it was a necessary redirection.

Life is full of these “God winks.” Some are big and obvious, like a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth. Others are subtle, almost unnoticeable — a friendly smile from a stranger on a tough day, or a song playing on the radio that reminds you of a cherished memory. Then there are those moments when something has been heavy on your heart to talk about, and out of nowhere, a friend or even a stranger brings up that exact topic, opening the door to a conversation you didn’t know you needed. Or when you’re thinking about someone you haven’t spoken to in years, and they suddenly reach out to you. It’s easy to brush these moments off as coincidences, but when you pause and reflect, you start to see them for what they truly are: divine nudges, pushing us toward where we’re meant to be.

Gratitude plays a big role in recognizing these moments. When you approach life with a grateful heart, you begin to see the glass as half full, even when things aren’t going as planned. It’s about shifting your perspective from one of lack to one of abundance, from one of frustration to one of appreciation. Instead of dwelling on what’s missing, you start to see all the ways you’re being guided, protected, and loved.

Being optimistic doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges or pretending that everything is perfect. It’s about acknowledging that there’s a bigger picture at play, and trusting that every twist and turn, every detour and delay, is leading you to exactly where you’re meant to be. It’s about finding peace in the uncertainty, knowing that even the tough times are part of your journey.

I’m learning to embrace these God winks, to lean into them with an open heart and an open mind. I’m learning that it’s okay to be passionate, to care deeply, and to feel everything intensely. Because it’s in those moments of vulnerability and authenticity that I find my true strength. I’m learning that the “bad” moments are just as valuable as the good ones, because they shape me, mold me, and prepare me for what’s next.

So, when you find yourself questioning why things are happening the way they are, take a moment to pause and look for the God winks. They’re there, waiting for you to notice them, waiting to remind you that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Whether it’s an unexpected opportunity, a comforting word at the perfect time, or a chance encounter that feels too perfect to be random — these moments are gentle reminders from above. And in those moments of recognition, you’ll find a sense of peace, knowing that you’re being guided by something greater than yourself, something that sees the full picture, even when you can’t.