8. THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF: OBSERVE

Sunday, March 3rd

Read Matthew 13:31-32, Matthew 24:32, Luke 12:27 (copied below).

Follow Jesus…

The stories of the life and teachings of Jesus often include his observations of the lessons revealed through God’s creation. He keenly perceives how God’s purposes and wisdom are present in our natural surroundings, made visible and understandable for us all. Most of Jesus’ earthly journey seems to be spent outdoors–walking along paths, teaching from hilltops, praying on mountainsides, resting with disciples on the sea. The earth becomes his sanctuary, too.

to be the best version of myself…

I love to spend time outdoors–daily walks in the neighborhood, hikes with Jim through forests, strolls along seashores, restful times on our porch. Graces abound in those times… My hope rises with each sprouting crocus and daffodil. My joy refreshes as the birds sing from treetops or squabble at the feeder. My faith strengthens when leaves quietly surrender to the soil. My peace settles in as snow gently covers the earth. My reverence and wonder increase with every mountain view or starlit sky.

All of creation reveals God’s creativity, wisdom, and generosity, and as Franciscan Priest and Author Richard Rohr writes:

Once we know that the entire physical world around us, all of creation, is both the hiding place and the revelation place of God, this world becomes home, safe, enchanted, offering grace to any who look deeply.¹

for the world.

God, Infinite Love,
You have given me a heart for your beautiful creation. Please guide me to observe the insights you offer through nature’s diversity, interdependence, rhythm, and beauty. May my life reflect the simplicity, trust, and generosity that nature exemplifies. Keep me mindful of the ways I can better tend this earth, love our humanity, renew the environment, and live in harmony with your creation. For this world IS your sacred home; we find your presence and power everywhere. Thank you.

Our reading for Tuesday (5th) will be John 11:38-44.

¹Rohr, Richard. The Universal Christ: How A Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, And Believe. Convergent Books. 2019.
Photo by Karen; I find it depicts the innocent generosity of nature as the milkweed begins to scatter its seeds.
All Bible verses are NRSVUE translation.

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Matthew 13:31-32

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

Matthew 24:32

 From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.

Luke 12:27

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.