Wonder
Carole Heathers of Stratford, Ontario, Canada
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. -1 Peter 3:8
Let me tell you a lovely memory I have from Camp Quality.
It was the night of the dance and the kids were having a great time. I was sitting near the back of the hall when I noticed a camper slip out the side door. When no one followed her, I thought I should. It was dark, and she was very frail from her chemotherapy treatments.
I slipped out the door and quickly scanned the area to see where she went, and then I saw her lying on the ground. Panic began to rise in me as I rushed over to see what had happened. As I got closer and could see her more clearly, I saw she was lying with her arms behind her head and her little ankles crossed.
I thought about the hard ground she was lying on, the dampness of the night, and the worry that someone might come out of the building and trip over her. I wanted to say, “Let’s get you up off the wet ground!” but when I saw the look on her face, I knew something special was happening for her. I simply asked in as unconcerned a voice as I could manage, “Whatcha doin’?” She replied, “Just looking at the stars.”
I asked if I could join her. I lay on the ground with my arms behind my head and my ankles crossed and looked up at the most magnificent sky! The sky was filled with stars, more stars than I have ever seen. It was incredible. We lay in silence soaking up the beauty of God’s creation. She said, “Don’t you just love this place? I could stay here forever!” This little girl blessed me with her awareness and appreciation of God’s beauty. She led me into the presence of the holy!
When I look up at a star-filled sky, I think of her and our shared experience of wonder.
Prayer Phrase
“Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day…” (Psalm 139:12).
Spiritual Practice
Repeat this month’s prayer phrase slowly and intentionally within your heart. Invite this prayerful repetition to open a space of presence to the divine light within you. Where are you experiencing the light of God in your life and in the world?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
