Men's Rosary

Walking through the State park with our dog one early and still morning, I took notice of the woods.  I also noticed the sun coming through the trees.  It made me think back to the days of my youth, while in the woods hunting, I would experience nature waking up.  The sun coming through the trees, the noise of birds, squirrels, and other animals. It was always so nice! 

At that moment I thought how incredible it was that nothing had changed.  Everything in the world has changed much during my life and a good amount of it has been for the worse.  How can it be that in the face of all the change, this remains unchanged for me?  Not too long after posing this question to myself, it was abundantly clear!  It is because God never changes. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Looking at nature I was looking at pure creation, pure love.  I was looking at God and all his work; things created for us.  There is no more “proof” needed of the presence of God.  We simply need to look around.  He cannot be denied.  The things in life that change are not the things we should be attached to.  Rather, we should work hard to be detached from them; lest we find ourselves in ruin.  “Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made.  So they are without excuse; for although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened.” (Romans 1:20-21) 

Seeking the honor of men, the status in society, the pleasures of the flesh, and all the other things fleeting and temporary, causes us to forget about that which is most important.  In seeking our place among men, we ignore the one who is with us in every moment and every aspect of our life.  In chasing after all the things that change, we find temporary joy and are guaranteed lasting disappointment; while we pass over that which will provide eternal peace and joy.  Resting in Christ’s peace we are assured of what we need, no matter what happens.  “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.  Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

It is quite necessary to sit quietly with the Lord.  This should be a daily activity.  This need not be only indoors.  We can sit with him in his creation, in awe of what surrounds us when we take time to look and ponder.  Amid the craziness of life, the business of the world and all the evil that abounds; there is a place to find peace!  The caveat is that we are the ones who must seek it out.  God does not impose himself upon us.  “Be still before the Lord, wait patiently for him; do not fret over him who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices.”  (Psalms 37:7)   We are never abandoned.  God is with us constantly.  I pray we slow down so we can see and understand this truth.

“The sun’s light that plays on the cedar trees, plays on each tiny flower as if it were the only one in existence; and in the same way our Lord takes a special interest in each soul.”    (St. Therese of Lisieux)