“Look, Aunt Sarah, the grass looks like diamonds,” my 5-year-old nephew marveled. The grass was covered with a new frost and its crystals shimmered in the morning light. His young, pure heart noticed all things with such great wonder and attention. Immediately, I considered why had I not noticed this similarity before. Perplexed, I wondered if I could begin to hone my eyes to spy the little ways God makes himself known throughout the days? Could I stir this awe, that surely existed deep inside, to life again?
Experiencing a rough patch, I had been trying desperately to keep my head up, pushing through, yet in my haste and exhaustion, I had been overlooking God’s small and quiet presence. I began to wonder if being present to Him as He revealed Himself could breathe life into my tired soul. Closing my eyes, I prayed, asking the Lord to reveal Himself to me in the smallest of ways. These moments began to manifest and were like salve on my weary heart. As I witnessed Our Lord at work in the world, I was infused with life and vigor, even if only for a moment. My breathing would slow, my muscles relaxed, and a calm settled, a peace that only God can provide. His presence was realized.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
Call to Act: I encourage you, sister, to take notice. Slow your pace. Ask the Lord to highlight His hand in the world. Invite Him to uncover your eyes to make His presence visible all around you. Allow Him to take your breath away and see the world anew. He can pause time or slow it for a moment, allowing you to witness His majesty and intricate design.
“It is most laudable in a married woman to be devout, but she must never forget that she is a housewife. And sometimes she must leave God at the altar to find Him in her housekeeping.” – St. Frances of Rome
St. Frances of Rome, pray for us that we may witness God in the intricacies of our days. Beg the Lord to allow us to encounter Him in our vocations as mothers, wives, and women. Ask Him to open our eyes to His presence as we move through our days as mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends. Beseech Our gracious Lord to allow us to experience the wonder and awe we once felt as children, infusing our hearts with tremendous fervor, joy, and peace. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.
The intricacies of Zion National Park in Kolob Canyons.