The Glory of This Moment
By John Bonney of Springfield, OR, USA
Listen to [your journey’s] teachings and discover anew its principles. Do not yearn for times that are past, but recognize that you have been given a foundation of faithful service, even as you build a foundation for what is yet to be. -Doctrine and Covenants 162:2b
In the morning I gazed at the beauty and mystery of a waning moon. At the same time I heard the birds of spring in those early pre-dawn hours singing so exuberantly, so sweetly, so joyously, and so full of themselves and the expression of who they are. I couldn’t help but think that their song was somehow in praise of their Maker. At least it made me feel that way.
I looked at the wonders of the blooming spring flowers. There is such stunning charm and glorious color in each bloom of tulip, daffodil, hyacinth, lily, periwinkle, phlox, and countless others. And the trees-the trees! The wonderfully delicate greens and yellows of the foliage. The wondrous pinks and whites of the blossoms combined with the deep, dark shades of evergreens. The hues are astoundingly subtle, in a manner that is entirely low key-a haze of softly under-spoken pastels. Those… those are the moments that give luster to life, even when one is down and the spirit is almost out.
Sitting on the bus, I marveled at the creative genius that allowed me to see, even sometimes with eternal eyes, the glory of each individually created person. To experience each in the expression of their wonderfully varied personalities-they struggle to give utterance to the eternal image inside. Perhaps not aware, yet reflecting the One who creates, regardless. At those moments I was lifted because of the splendid display of Creator in human being.
I was saddened by an awareness of that which each could be, and yet are not; of pain and suffering which registers in their eyes and faces, their body language, their voices. I feel at some moments that creation yearns for them, and suffers with them. There is only beneficence in this personal side of creation, only expressions of compassion and empathy, only a tender love and longing which simply cannot and perhaps should not be expressed in its entirety.
In the glory of those moments-the bird song and moon, the music of life, the mosaic of human expression-in those moments I am refreshed and find my being, and I realize once again how blessed I am.
Prayer Phrase
Spirit now live in me.
Spiritual Practice
Breathe deeply and enter a few minutes of silence. Be attentive to where you sense new life emerging in you. Search your memories of the previous day. When did you notice the sacredness of life in surprising places or forms in the world around you?
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.
