A Living Reminder of Obedience and Presence
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
Two years ago, a simple act of obedience to the Holy Spirit led me to give my favorite Christmas cactus to my friend Chelsea. At the time, I couldn’t have imagined the significance of that small gesture, but it has grown into a vivid reminder of God’s love and faithfulness. Just this week, Chelsea sent me a picture of the cactus in full bloom. Next to it was a colorful drawing by her son, a first grader, with the words: “Jesus is always with us.” In the space for what he was thankful for, he had written: “I am thankful for His presence.”
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This image is more than just a photo; it’s a visual testimony of God’s goodness. That cactus, blooming so beautifully, mirrors the abundant life that comes from walking in obedience to His voice. Chelsea’s son’s innocent and heartfelt declaration of gratitude reminds us that the presence of Jesus is the ultimate gift—one we should treasure not just during this Thanksgiving season but every day.
As Chelsea and I reflected over coffee this week, she shared how the Holy Spirit’s encouragement, delivered through acts of obedience, has always arrived at just the right moment. Her gratitude for those moments touched me deeply, and it reminded me how our obedience can become a vessel for His love and provision in the lives of others. What a privilege it is to be used by Him in such personal and profound ways.
This Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting not only on the material blessings in my life but on the spiritual blessings that His presence brings. I’m grateful for the ways He has shown up, for the ways He continues to guide and provide, and for the ways He draws us closer to Him through small acts of faithfulness.
Gratitude and Growth
Looking at Chelsea’s thriving cactus, I can’t help but contrast it with the cacti I kept. Mine sit in the windows at S&S FAB and Welding, LLC, alive but barren—small and stagnant. They’ve never bloomed. This stark difference reminds me of the truth found in John 15:5: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Chelsea’s cactus, now blooming with such vibrancy, symbolizes the abundance that comes from living in obedience and abiding in His presence. My cacti, still barren, reflect the spiritual stagnation that comes when we fail to fully align ourselves with Him. In this Thanksgiving season, I’m reminded that gratitude and obedience go hand in hand. When we are thankful for His presence, we naturally seek to abide in Him—and from that abiding comes fruitfulness and joy.
Reflection: Gratitude in Action
- What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving season?
- How has God shown His presence in your life this year?
- In what ways can you reflect your gratitude by being obedient to the Holy Spirit’s leading?
Application: Celebrating His Presence
As we reflect on the beauty of God’s presence in our lives, it’s essential to turn that reflection into celebration and action. Here are some ways to celebrate His presence:
- Daily Thankfulness
Make gratitude a daily habit. Take time to thank God for His presence in your life, for His blessings, and for the comfort He provides.- Scripture: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
- Worship and Praise
Celebrate His presence through worship, whether in song, prayer, or simply meditating on His goodness. Praise brings us closer to Him and magnifies His presence in our lives.- Scripture: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
- Share His Love
God’s presence is not only for us to enjoy but to share. Look for opportunities to reflect His love to others through acts of kindness, encouragement, or simply listening to someone in need.- Scripture: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
- Spend Time in His Word
God’s Word is the ultimate celebration of His presence with us. Take time to read, reflect, and allow His truth to guide your thoughts and actions.- Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
- Gather in Community
Celebrate His presence with fellow believers. Coming together in fellowship reminds us of His presence in the body of Christ and strengthens our faith.- Scripture: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Father, we thank You for Your presence in our lives. Thank You for the moments when You remind us that You are always with us, guiding and providing in ways we could never imagine. Help us to walk in obedience, trusting in Your perfect plan and timing. This Thanksgiving, may our hearts be filled with gratitude—not just for the blessings we can see, but for the spiritual growth, the moments of clarity, and the abundance that comes from abiding in You. Teach us to be vessels of Your love, reflecting Your goodness to those around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
What a perfect time to give thanks for His presence and His guidance, not just in the big moments but in the small, quiet ones that shape our lives. May this Thanksgiving season be a time of abiding, gratitude, and growth for us all.
Note of Thanks
Dear Chelsea,
Thank you for being my dear, sweet friend who prays for me and with me. Your kindness, encouragement, and unwavering faith mean the world to me. While I deeply appreciate you as my colleague, I am even more grateful for the privilege of experiencing life alongside you.
You amaze me continually as you bloom and grow exactly where the Lord has planted you. Watching His love and grace flourish in your life inspires me in so many ways. I am honored to love you, to support you, and to call you my friend. P.S. I also appreciate your love for strong coffee and the Oxford comma. 🙂
With love and gratitude,
Jennifer
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The Aging English Major 