My mom, dad, and I decided to go back up to the cabin today and get out of the heat. There was a lot of traffic and we seemed to have more stops than usual, but we finally made it. We noticed how green and lush the meadows were. From time to time we could see that they were dotted with yellow or purple flowers. When we got to the house, we saw several different bushes and wildflowers that had bloomed in just the few short days we were away. Some of the trees that had just started sprouting leaves were fully leafed out. The evergreens had sprouted new brightly colored shoots on the ends of their branches. There was fresh, rejuvenating life all around. My parents said it had been a few years since they had seen so much new growth. I thought about this for a while. The plants, flowers, and trees were somewhat stagnant for a while, growing a little but not really flourishing during the recent years of dryness. This year, they received lots of water as it has been very rainy – even snowy – the past few months. This was all the plants needed to revive. They seem to rejoice as they boldly display their bright colors, bringing joy to all who will notice. This in turn allows the animals and birds to thrive as well. As I pondered, I realized that my faith is very similar. There are times when I go through very dry spells and I don’t feel like I am making much progress at all. But the seed is still there, deep down inside. And when I receive the nourishment needed, my relationship with Christ blooms. I become more joyful and I am sure it can be noticed by those around me. That is when I feel I can be most helpful to others as well. And where do I get this nourishment? Sometimes a retreat, going to church, reading a book or scripture, meditating, or talking with a friend. Sometimes it comes from just being in nature.

I Found God today in the beauty of nature and realizing how much it teaches us about our own lives.