Quiet Beauty

Chances are that you’ve noticed this about life, as I have: Things are often loud and fast and we can easily get swept up in the drama and excitement if we don’t make a purposeful effort to stay aware of the choices we make.

When I let myself get swept along, it might be fun for a time, defending and arguing and wringing my hands over some new plight. But that heightened energy and interest soon becomes a feeling of pressure and stress, which isn’t so enjoyable.

And while I’m caught up in the passion of the day, I so easily miss the quiet beauty God places everywhere on my path. The new beautiful lily along the walk might go unseen, unappreciated, uncelebrated, if my mind is caught in other non-present ideas and enthusiasms.

Today may we practice peace with open eyes and hearts. As Thomas a Kempis wrote,

“If thou attend to thyself and to God, thou wilt be little moved by what thou perceivest outside thee.”

God we pray for the discernment of all we encounter today. May we care about and engage in your course for love, choosing to be still an instant and remember you, grateful for your constant presence and tender care. Amen.

Chaplain Katherine

A Thousand Tiny Gifts

“For lack of attention a thousand forms of loveliness elude us every day.”

Evelyn Underhill

On beautiful mornings like this one it is so easy to notice the great beauty of the world. From the lovely stars that gradually fade in the growing light, to the fingernail moon, the dew on rosebuds in the garden, the sweet and delicate song of waking birds, the landscape slowly wakens as we move toward the new day together.

I know from experience that all too soon the quiet and reverent hush of morning will give way to the busyness of the day. To-do lists, appointments, meetings and more will mean a largely scheduled existence for the next eight hours or so. How many joys and blessings will I miss in the world around me as I walk, unaware, through this Garden of Eden? Today my heart’s intention is to stay awake to the thousand tiny gifts God shares along the way. Then as evening comes, I’ll see that I’ve not only been productive, but that in this day, I have really lived with God.

Chaplain Katherine

Enjoy the Moment

I went for a walk last night with my family.  With my three year old, Lily, we didn’t get very far. 🙂  She likes to stop and play almost every five steps.  At first I felt like we really should get going.  After all, when we are on a walk, I’d like to actually walk.  Yet I wanted to also let her explore and so I did. 

And as we explored in just a 20 foot radius we saw more wildlife than I typically see on such a short walk:  4 rabbits, 2 chipmunks, 1 heron, 1 woodpecker, and 3 ducks. 

My initial reaction of busyness and wanting to get moving changed to pure enjoyment of the moment.  It didn’t matter anymore how far I walked as we stopped and savored the beauty around us.

Today, take time to enjoy the beauty around you amidst the busyness of life.  As you do, you may just see the beauty and feel the joy of God. 

“The heavens proclaim God’s glory.  The skies display his craftmanship.”

Psalm 19:1 NLT

Chaplain Josh