Treetops stand out like flames blazing over rooftops,
fireworks suspended in the branches,
glowing yellow dappled lights that work as the sunshine's minions even on the darkest, cloudiest days.
The extraordinary beauty of it all may be a result of weather patterns, or maybe I'm just more aware. I am at a place of serenity, where God has given me the grace to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change (or at least attempt to change) the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
This season has been a serene one here in small-town Ohio. At least, as far as the beauty of creation goes. The world is tumultuous, our country is divided, and we as a race of humans are slowly coming to grips with the ramifications of our distracted half-living. But I have hope.
Because in the mornings I see the way the sun glows rising
and spreads its light through the trees to shower the earth.
And in the afternoons when I take walks and stop a thousand times to try and capture the way the light spreads through the leaves like fire
and my phone's camera fails to do God's creation justice, I smile, knowing that all our man-made technology will never be enough to inspire and foster hope, goodness, love, mercy. For that, we need something, Someone greater.
Because of that, I find myself more often on my knees giving thanks and seeking mercy. On election day, I consecrated myself to Divine Mercy, because God is BIGGER and BETTER than this mess we have created for ourselves.
I joke that I'm an eternal optimist--95% of the time. But I am eternally optimistic, that is, optimistic about eternity. No matter the messes we make for ourselves or the struggles we experience in dealing with other people or with our health or with the demons in our own minds, we have hope.
I believe in our redemption through Christ and the cross, and I believe in the hope that rises with His resurrection, and I believe in the grace of His Divine Mercy which He offers any time we ask for it.
I pray that in this time of turmoil and change, as fall fades to winter and our country transitions to the next phase and the world continues to turn, that we all find the serenity and peace of mind needed to carry on hopefully.
