Signs in the Sky

Office Ministry by Shandrika McDowell, SWC Executive Assistant

On my normal commute to work one morning, it began to lightly rain. As I stood patiently awaiting the 522 Rapid, I noticed a rainbow on the right side of the sky. I turned and looked to the left, where a soft light was gently peeking through the clouds. Instinctively, I pulled out my phone and captured both—the promise and the light. 

In that quiet moment, God reminded me that His presence often shows up in the in-between places—the rain and the sun, the waiting and the moving, the ordinary and the divine. Just as the rainbow signifies God’s promise and the light symbolizes hope, our callings often unfold in that same tension. There are days when it rains, when uncertainty clouds our path, yet God gives glimpses of His faithfulness to remind us that we are seen and guided. 

As I continued my commute that morning, I reflected on how this mirrored my own journey in ministry. Balancing the responsibilities of serving as an Executive Assistant while pursuing seminary has not been without its rainy days—moments of exhaustion, doubt, and feeling stretched thin. Yet, even in those times, God sends His reminders: a word of encouragement from a colleague, a breakthrough in understanding, or a sense of peace that surpasses explanation. 

In office ministry, we are often the quiet hands and hearts behind the scenes. We support, organize, and serve, sometimes not realizing how our daily work becomes a reflection of God’s steady presence. Just as the rainbow stretched across the sky and the light broke through the clouds, God’s grace stretches over every task, meeting, and conversation. He equips us moment by moment, teaching us to trust that what He has placed before us, He will also sustain. 

So, whether you find yourself in the rain, in the light, or somewhere in between, know that God is still revealing His promises. He may not always change the forecast, but He will always show you signs of His faithfulness along the way. 

Reflection Question: How has God reminded you of His promises in your everyday routines? Are there “rainbows and lights” appearing in your journey that you might be overlooking? 

Walking the Path: Reflections from Our Staff Retreat

Office Ministry by Shandrika McDowell, SWC Executive Assistant

As our staff retreat comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on how impactful this short time together has been. Though our gathering was brief, it offered space for rest, renewal, and reconnection — both with one another and with ourselves.

Early this morning, I took a quiet walk through The Desert Labyrinth. The stillness of the desert air, the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet, and the rising sun created the perfect backdrop for reflection. I couldn’t help but feel how truly blessed I am — to be part of a team that values not just our work, but our spiritual and emotional well-being.

Along the path were stones engraved with words, each offering a moment of pause and purpose:

  • Gratitude: For the gift of another fresh day of life.
  • Love: For the Holy One and for all my dear ones.
  • Hope: For the possibility and growth in each moment.
  • Compassion: For all of creation and our deep connection.
  • Generosity: For all that shall be asked of me this day.
  • Laughter: For the joy that will refresh my heart.
  • Patience: For the difficult challenges that may arise.

Each word was a gentle reminder of what truly sustains us — the small but sacred virtues that guide how we live, lead, and serve. As I reached the center of the labyrinth, I felt grounded and grateful, carrying with me the wisdom of the walk and the shared spirit of our
retreat.