God's Glorious Creation

As we believe and trust in the Lord, our lives are surrounded by light, for God is our

source of illumination. I was blessed to be immersed in light and the glory of creation in a

recent trip to Hawaii. As their time is six hours ahead of us in New York, extended light was our

gift.

One of the road trips included a visit to an arboretum called the Garden of Eden. It was

exactly as one would picture that garden, exotic birds, trees, flowers, and foliage in a uniquely,

natural island setting, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

God’s abundant grace was overflowing and when we parked, there was a car just like

my husband had, reminding me the communion of saints gratefully follows us. My family got to

swim with sea turtles, as I marveled at the majesty of God’s wonderous creation. One can only

thank God, as we stand in wonder, awestruck, knowing that only a mighty hand can splash the

world with this much grandeur.

Do you find light in the simple beautiful things around us – flowers, trees, sky, singing

birds and more? What are you doing to renew yourself? When the loved one we are caring for

is struggling, it is even more important to find solace and support. God does not take a vacation

and is always listening to our needs. While we cannot fix or make things better, giving our

attention and time is our act of love. As Matthew 5:14-15 says, “You are the light of the world.

A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a

bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house,” our self-

sacrificing acts shine for others to emulate.

Giving ourselves the gift of light and our own self-care is vital. Ask yourself regularly for

the best ways to care for yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Self-acceptance is a

journey. Too often we are living in the past and that saps our energy. As time passes, we find

that the clothes of the past do not fit or serve us anymore. Seize hold of the grace that is

available. It is free, abundant, and always ours.

St. Teresa of Avila wrote, “For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship

with God.” Being honest with God and how we feel through prayer, journaling and Scripture

reading will bring greater light and peace into our lives. Many of the psalms are laments and

cries to the Lord because the psalmist was suffering deeply. If you need words for anger and

disappointment, these Psalms are ones of lament - 44, 60, 74, 79, 89, 90. Along with prayer, we

lean into God’s presence. Remember what we focus on, gains the strength and the object of

our focus determines our level of peace. May light permeate in each of us!