In the hustle of hospital corridors, amidst the beeping of monitors and the steady flow of patients and staff, chaplains often encounter God in ways that defy conventional expectations. As microcosms of human diversity, hospitals present unique opportunities to witness God. Here, individuals face their most vulnerable selves, whether due to illness, loss, or fear. In these moments, God is encountered in profound, unfiltered ways. It is not always within the walls of a church or in the company of believers that we most powerfully experience the divine. Instead, God’s presence often reveals itself in the faces and lives of those we least expect—those who may never speak the language of faith yet embody the very heart of divine compassion. These encounters reveal that the image of God—the imago Dei—dwells in everyone (Genesis 1:26-27).

Consider the young nurse who, tirelessly caring for patients through the night without asking for recognition, embodies the spirit of Christ’s servanthood. They may not speak openly about their beliefs, but their actions testify to a sacrificial love that reflects God’s image.

Similarly, consider the elderly woman in the oncology unit who radiates a quiet strength and peace that speaks of a deep, abiding presence but has never set foot inside a place of worship. She may not speak of God in the language of scripture or liturgy, but her resilience and grace in the face of suffering reveal the very heart of divine compassion. God’s steadfast love is seen in her, enduring even when the body is weak. Her faith may not fit within the doctrinal boundaries of institutional religion, but her life reflects a sacred trust in the goodness of something beyond herself.

Likewise, we find God in society’s marginalized individuals, those often pushed to the edges due to poverty, addiction, or mental illness. In many ways, these individuals resemble the very people Jesus embraced during His ministry. The unhoused man who is willing to share his possessions with others, despite having little himself, reveals a deep generosity that reflects God’s grace. His life is marked by hardship, yet his actions speak of a compassionate God who is near to the brokenhearted.

Such moments remind me of Elijah’s encounter with God in 1 Kings 19. Expecting God in a mighty wind, earthquake, or roaring fire, Elijah instead found God in a whisper. Likewise, God often appears in the subtle, quiet moments of hospital life: a nurse’s attentive care, a patient’s smile, or a chaplain’s calm presence. American philosopher Dallas Willard once said, “Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”[1] Slowing down allows us to be fully present, enabling us to reflect God’s love. It is in intentionally slowing down that we witness the presence of God.

This sacred work mirrors the heart of the gospel: affirming that all people are seen, valued, and loved by God. Jesus repeatedly embraced those whom society rejected, affirming their worth. In healthcare, chaplains are called to do the same, reminding patients and staff alike that they are known and cherished. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the film Hook, where an adult Peter Pan, lost in the responsibilities of adulthood after leaving and forgetting Neverland, is forced to return to save his children who have been kidnapped by Captain Hook.[2] Following several failed attempts to connect with his true self, he is able to finally rediscover his identity with the help of the youngest Lost Boy, Pockets. After pausing and intently studying Peter’s face, Pockets exclaims, “Oh, there you are, Peter!” Like Pockets, chaplains echo this revelation, helping others see their inherent worth, even when life’s burdens obscure it.

As chaplains, we are privileged daily to witness and honor the imago Dei. Our ministry challenges us to expand our vision of where God is and who God is. Indeed, God’s love manifests in big ways, but more often than not, it is in the ordinary, the broken, and the unexpected places that God is revealed. In this sacred calling, we are reminded that God’s image shines brightly in every person, inviting us to encounter God anew with each step we take on the holy ground of a hospital room.