Find the Glimmers
Reading my cousin’s online post announcing her recent cancer diagnosis caused my heart to drop. It was unexpected and made me sad. Despite the seriousness of the statement, however, positivity still shone through. She shared how she was able to inform her radiologist and technician that she would be okay. She explained that she had already traveled a similar path years earlier with her child. She said, “My daughter had brain cancer at the age of ten. This is not brain cancer, and this is not my daughter. I will be fine.”
Throughout this and subsequent update posts on social media, my cousin has been a source of inspiration by sharing her acceptance of the situation alongside her stalwart faith during a time of significant uncertainty. When her sense of peace shines through in her friend and family notifications, I wonder, “How does she do it?”
In a recent communication, I received my answer. During a conversation recognizing the hardship in this journey, she acknowledged that there are also accompanying blessings. For instance, one blessing is the closer connection that she is experiencing with those reaching out to her.
As I reflected, I found that this practice of noticing and acknowledging blessings in the midst of hard times reminds me of a recent library conference session I attended. In the session about self-care in the workplace, the presenter described collecting glimmers–small moments that convey a sense of happiness or joy.
These moments, as they are collected and acknowledged, become tools in building a sense of peace. This was a new concept for me, so I did a little research and found that it is not an uncommon term in therapy discussions. In fact, a quick search confirmed that in the world of social work and psychology, glimmers are the opposite of triggers.
What a biblical concept! It is purposefully taking the time to stop and take note of the small things throughout the day that remind us of good. Some might even call this kind of practice a way to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18a, NIV).
When my impulses are unchecked, it can become so easy to slip into the mode of collecting negative thoughts, feelings, and experiences. How, then, can we reverse the tendency to dwell in the negative while we deal with adversity? One way is to set an intention to find glimmers of good in every day. Do this by noticing even the seemingly insignificant things. The beauty of this practice is that it may be done at any time, in any place.
First, begin by looking for any blessing in a given situation. One example is my cousin recognizing how her cancer diagnosis has either invited or renewed correspondence with loved ones near and far. You can even begin just by acknowledging the seemingly tiny things that spark a smile, or lift your spirit even the smallest bit. Perhaps it is a good cup of coffee, a favorite song on the radio, a text from a friend, the “I love you” from your child at drop-off. Recognize these as glimmers in your day. Each positive moment collected contributes to a more fulfilling life.
If it is a struggle to have an awareness of glimmers while engulfed with irritation, stress, pain, impatience, disappointment, sadness, etc., try observing God’s handiwork in nature. Each day provides an opportunity to see either a sunrise or sunset, or to look for a possible ray of sunlight in a dark cloud. Take note of even the smallest intricate petal on a flower, the song of a bird, a momentary wisp of breeze on a hot day, or the bright blue of the sky.
These micro-moments do more than give you a flash of instantaneous or even momentary joy. They can also “spark ease, relaxation, safety, connection or a feeling that the world is OK even for a fleeting moment.” Despite life’s discomforts, there are still glimmers of goodness to discover. My cousin’s statement is true for all followers of Jesus. With some practice, we can all learn to confidently say, “I will be fine.”
