As I sit to write this reflection, the sun is shining. It came out after some rainy and dreary days. Reminds me of the song “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” from the musical Annie. With August coming to an end, I thought I would take one more look at the beauty of this season.
During one of my travels, I just couldn’t help but take in all of the beautiful scenery that surrounded me. This morning in prayer I came across this quote, “Beauty, like God, abounds. It is not where you look but how” (taken from a photograph taken at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, IL).
It made me realize that there is beauty all around us, whether it be scenery, plants, animals, or people. Beauty is in how we look at things. How we see the world makes all the difference. The trees and mountains, as well as all the flat land, shines with God’s glory. Even the road construction helps me to focus on the beautiful sky and clouds.
On another level, the quote made me wonder how I look at different situations, people and life in general: “…it is not where you look but how.” There is so much food for thought. How do I look at difficulties? Do I let them get me down? It can be hard to remember when I am in the heat of a disagreement, God is near. How simple, loving and peaceful our life and the lives of those around us could be if we remember God is near.
Another story comes to mind. A king put out a decree asking for artists to paint the most peaceful scene they could. As you can imagine, they came up with many serene sites. And yet, the winning picture was a mother bird whose nest was in a crevice of a mountain, feeding her young in the midst of a thunderstorm -- calm and peace in the midst of chaos.
This week, look and see that which abounds before you, no matter what it is. Take the time to see how you deal with the bounty. It will come in all sizes and shapes. How do we respond, not react? I know this will be a challenge for me, but what a difference it can make in our life and the lives of others. Know for sure the Son will come out tomorrow and be with us on our journey.
Till next week,
P.S. Let us continue to keep in prayer all the students who are returning to or entering school for the first time that they may have a safe educational journey. We ask this through the intercession of Blessed Mary Stella and her Ten Companions, our Martyred Sisters of Nowogrodek, whose feast day is September 4.
