Fall in Colorado...Experience God's Wonder

Ernie told me of the story he read from one of his favorite prayer books by Fr. Mark Link, S.J.  Many years ago, a story was published called, "Taking a Walk with My Grandson," by Amelia Dahl.  It was written in dialogue form and it went something like this:

 

Ricky: Grandma, Why do trees take off their clothes in the fall?

Grandma:  Because they're worn out and must be turned in for new ones.

Ricky:  Where do they get new ones?

Grandma:  From the ground, where Mother Nature is busy preparing a new spring wardrobe for them.

Ricky:  Ever notice that how the sky looks like an upside-down lake?

Grandma:  And the little white clouds look like sailboats, don't they?

Ricky:  I wonder where they're sailing to.

Grandma:  Maybe to a cloud meeting.

Ricky:  What do the do there?

Grandma:  Probably decide if the Earth needs more rain.

Ricky:  Gee, God thinks of everything, doesn't he Grandma?

 

Ricky's Grandma is a beautiful example of someone who has kept her childlike wonder.  To wonder means to see things as a child does, the newness of His great gifts to us - to be able to see and feel God in and through others!  

 

A few weeks ago Ernie and I took a drive on Guenella Pass. Although I have lived in Denver, so close to the hills for 28 years, I had never taken this drive in autumn. So often my Hubby would say lets take a drive in the hills and I always seem to find other things to do that are more pressing. Big mistake. I have learned that sometimes you just need to put the everyday things of a busy life aside.  Sometimes we just need to get away from the city and be in the glory of God's great earth.



Guanella Pass

I was awed by the beauty of the changing colors of the forest. The aspens shimmering like gold coins in the wind. The brilliance of the golden leaves. We sat near a stream and just listened to the wind. It was so peaceful and brought to light God's awesomeness. I even saw my first moose that day. There was a male and a baby near the lake going toward Georgetown. I was so excited to see something I had never seen in our beautiful state. I am astounded that God created this most beautiful and amazing earth and all that it contains. We humans don't have even the slightest idea of the immensity of God's power to create.

Ernie and I were seeing such a small part of the mountain range. Even when you start to think about how small and insignificant it seems in the scheme of the universe, it was awesome! We all need to put aside our smart phones and things that distract us from finding time to be at peace. So try to take a look around more often and appreciate the magnificence of God. It doesn't have to be anything as big as the mountains, or the ocean. You will find Him in your husband, your family, or a precious baby. I could go on and on because God's magnificence is everywhere.  Experience God's wonderment through a child's eyes!

Please continue to pray for the protection of the unborn, for they are God's greatest creation.

Joy in life!

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

1 Peter 1:6  In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials.

My hubby, Ernie, and I read a story earlier about joy. Funny, but I stumbled upon another story on how we can have joy in our lives everyday, no matter what. Suddenly a light went off in my head, and I understood that I have always had joy in my life, even more so since I was diagnosed with leukemia. The kind of joy that I feel is a more soulful and satisfying than anything that I have ever felt before. That doesn't mean that I don't sometimes feel sad or that I don't worry.

The story that Tim Keller tells equates how a tree and it's deep roots represents joy. Even in a draught that evergreen tree that is suffering will send it's roots deeper as it needs to. That depth that the tree seeks is the same that we seek when we are suffering in life. Even in it's suffering that tree will survive and remain green and tall and beautiful. At times of deep suffering in our lives we like the tree need to seek something deeper and that can only come from our faith and love from God.
When we seek our Lord we find joy as He upholds us.

Being diagnosed with a life threatening illness like leukemia and having to undergo cancer treatment can be a very frightening thing. I have to admit I wasn't close to being joyful when I was diagnosed, but I never let fear get the best of me. I immediately placed myself in our Lord's hands and trusted Him. Sending my faith roots deeper gave me comfort and peace and allowed me to never be depressed. Even during what are called "the dog days of chemo" these are the days when you don't even have the energy to get out of bed. I always found joy in every day and in all my experiences. Even as the nurses would administer my chemo treatments, I would find joy in their presence and caring and especially in all of the love of those around me. I'm so grateful to be so blessed.

We can all experience joy in our faith and all that God's promises. It can fill us and satisfy us no matter what we face. I pray that you all find that deep and satisfying joy.