Every sunrise, every day, is a new moment in which to experience the beauty of the divine in this world - and it also a new moment in which you have the opportunity to engage in life and contribute to such beauty.
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The early morning dew condenses on the thin stands of the wispy spiderweb, and sometimes what might seem as the most insubstantial of words or actions collect the most response. Touch the world gently today as you spin your gossamer webs.
I am repeatedly amazed by the beauty in flowers. I am also amazed by how different each flower is from others. People are like flowers. There is such beauty in the diversity. Can you celebrate the beauty in diversity as you see others today?
There are days that when you look up, you see heavy clouds. You want sunshine, but given the cloudy conditions you know rain is more likely. Try not to forget that the rain of the cloudy days helps contribute to the growth of the sunny days. It is true for these flowers - and it is also a metaphor for our lives. I hope you can find some pleasure today - even if it is a "cloudy day" for you.
One thing I enjoy about a Twisted Willow tree is the unique quality of the branches. They twist and bend with wild abandon! When seen from a distance it appears similar to every other tree, but when viewed from up close the distinctive form of the branches becomes apparent. I know people who are like this tree. They may appear "ordinary" from a distance, but when you get close to them, they have a wonderful uniqueness and beauty.
Look at your friends today. See and celebrate the beauty in them. Our lives are filled with barriers. Some barriers protect us from that which might harm us, but some barriers prevent us from encountering wonderous things and fascinating people, and prevent us from realizing some great potentials in our lives. It is worth while to reflect on the barriers we have in our lives. What are some of those good barriers that protect us? What are some of those barriers that restrict us and hold us back from what we could experience and achieve? What will we do about those?
This image shows some beautiful flowers and striking colors, but they don't communicate the power of the moment. To fully appreciate the moment when looking at these flowers close-up one should include the sense of smell. These are lilacs, and their pungent odor overwhelms the senses. Experience life with all your senses.
To fully enjoy this sunset, one must empty the self of all other thoughts and distractions and be in the moment. Then the beauty and majesty enters in and overflows.
When we are full of ourselves we leave no room for the Spirit of God to enter us. Can you empty yourself and let divine love enter, fill, and overflow your life? The colors of this sunset were framed by these beautful young cattails. The next morning they were gone. During the night, a deer had meandered into my backyard and in its grazing had nibbled off all these tender shoots. I was annoyed. But then I asked myself, "why was I annoyed?' The deer only ate what it needed to live and it bore no ill intentions to me. In fact, although I had planted the rushes in the pond, were they even, really, mine?
So this morning, I peacefully look at the chewed down stalks, give thanks for the beauty of the sight they briefly provided, and give thanks for the nourishment they gave the deer. It doesn't change the fact that the plants are chewed down (they will grow back), but it sure feels better. |
AuthorJoel Kreger is a writer who grew up in Minnesota, spent many years of his life in Iowa and Wisconsin, and now lives in Minnesota. His life experience includes careers of serving 17 years as a Lutheran parish pastor, working 18 years as a public school teacher, and now writing as a novelist and blogger. Archives
April 2019
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