“In the Bible, it rained for 40 days and nights. Day 41 came and the rain stopped. Moses went up on the mountain for 40 days. On day 41, he received the Ten Commandments. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Year 41, they walked into the Promised Land. Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days. Day 41 came, David slew him. Jonah preached a message of destruction to Nineveh for 40 days. On day 41, God stopped his plan to destroy them. Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days. Day 41, and the devil fled. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples for 40 days. On day 41, He ascended into Heaven.

The rain will stop. The giant will fall. You will enter your “promised land.” Don’t give up at 40…your 41 is coming.”

So it’s been a while since I’ve been out here.

It’s honestly a bit of a challenge to find motivation to do much online these days. Between the never ending onslaught of horrific news and the cesspool that is social media…it all weighs a bit too much. But every now and then I stumble onto something that breathes a little hope and magic into the world — like the reference to 41. I know there are a lot of significant numerical references in the Bible, but I’d never strung together the instances of 40 or 41.

And I just love it. So much so that I decided to create a 41-day challenge for myself.

While the world has seemed pretty darn icky lately, oddly enough, I’ve never been so keenly aware of God’s presence. Perhaps it’s due to the influence of Ignatian spirituality that says that God is in all things — and calls for people to recognize God’s presence in every aspect of their lives — their daily routines, relationships, work, and even in the moments of struggle or hardship. Also born of this spiritual tradition is a key prayer practice called the Examen, where you actively listen, watch, and engage in your daily surroundings to recognize and reflect upon God’s presence.

Which is where my 41-day challenge comes in.

I’m going to try to essentially create a visual 41-day Examen. So often lately I’ve felt little nudges, winks, and embraces from God – from rainbows in my “see the good” coffee mug, smiles from strangers, and little works of art in leaf form – that I just know are intended for no other reason than to bring delight. I’ve taken so many photos, but really haven’t done anything with them until now. I’m going to start posting these little moments of presence and grace.

Will the world be much different in 41 days? Likely, no. But God is and will still be good. All the time.

So here’s to finding good in each day, and here’s to finding God in all things.