Handle with care.

 The beauty and preciousness of life is intimately linked with its fragility and mortality.

We can experience that every day—when we take a flower in our hands, when we see a butterfly dance in the air, when we caress a little baby.

Fragility and giftedness are both there, and our joy is connected with both." –Henri J. M. Nouwen

 

In my part of the world, autumn is upon us. The green leaves of summer are turning to brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange. Squirrels are busy, busy, busy gathering nuts and lining their nests for the chilly months ahead. I my closet, the t-shirts once more give way to sweaters.

I love this time of year, even as it serves as a harbinger of winter, a reminder that all good things must come to an end.

But guess what?

In the circle of Life, in God’s perfect time and season, winter will once more give way to spring. A new cycle of rebirth will return, reminding us that every single season brings its own beauty and mystery.

Every. Single. Season. Even the difficult, ugly times. If we have eyes to see and a heart to believe, the grace and wonder of our loving Creator are there, right under our noses!

Walk gently. Notice the changes. Feel the warmth of nature beneath your feet. As the weather turns, give thanks. You are alive! You are aware! God’s good creation is yours to explore.


Monday Start your week with a walk outdoors. Take a deep breath. What strikes you? Job 42:1-6

Tuesday Are you a morning person? Or do you like to stay up late? Step outside in the dark and listen. Job 42:10-17

Wednesday Find something very small and really look at it. Notice the Creator’s fingerprints. Psalm 34:1-8

Thursday Is there a fragrance that immediately brings back memories? Meditate on that memory—and if you can track down that fragrance. . . . Jeremiah 31:7-9

Friday It can be easy to forget to tell others how much we appreciate having them in our lives. Life is short. Be kind. Pray daily. Mark 10:46-47

Saturday As you pray for yourself, consider just what a miracle you are. Spend some time looking at your hands . . . your feet . . . even your smile. God only made one of you, and you are perfect in God’s eyes. Mark 10:48-50

Sunday Sunday means time to worship. Time to be grateful. Time to return some of that Divine Love to those around you. Mark 10:51-52

 

The older you get, the more fragile you understand life to be. I think that’s good motivation for getting out of bed joyfully each day. –Julia Roberts


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