Crisp color changes and the crunch of Autumn’s evolving paths can lead us to deeper God-consciousness. Let’s slow down and open our eyes and minds to the width and depth of God’s amazing love. We may harvest and celebrate our abundance. We may pray and hope for a peaceful winter. No matter the season, the God-given change is lined with lessons.
Here’s one that I’ve been pondering: All of nature is impacted equally by the happenings of the weather. No creature is untouched by change.
Us humans have a lot to learn from nature’s way of gracefully bending to change and cooperation with biodiversity. No matter who we are, how we deal with or accept changes matters. We all get to play a part in God’s mysterious and phenomenal creation. None of us are bigger or better and all of our discipleship is special and significant–especially those acts that may seem small and silent. Sometimes our submission to God’s greatness is enough to help things move the right way.
A simple pro-life part of the Christmas story reminds us to stay open to the graces and goodness available in all kinds of changes.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.
For he is a God who always repays
and will give back to you sevenfold.
But offer no bribes; these he does not accept!
Do not trust in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion,
For he is a God of justice,
who shows no partiality.
He shows no partiality to the weak
but hears the grievance of the oppressed.
– Sirach 35: 12-16
How could you give all you have gotten from God back to God today?
How can you spread appreciation to all parts of God’s creation–even those who are ignored, unliked, or on the margins?
How can you imitate Mary and Jesus’ teachings?
Merry Christmas!
