When the Sun/Son Shines
Merna Short of Melbourne, Australia
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. -1 Timothy 6:17-19
I have a tree in the corner of my backyard. It was a small bush for many years, nestling in the shade of my neighbour’s tall tree in their backyard.
One day my neighbour cut down his tall tree. My little bush soaked up the sunshine that now shone down nurturing its growth. From a little three-foot bush it has now grown to about twelve feet tall, with an expansive foliage for its girth and massed with flowers in season.
In my kitchen I have a small, white drinking mug. It has striped African animals etched into it and dark stripes on the animals. One day as I was enjoying the warmth of the liquid in my little drinking mug, savouring its flavour, the sun shone through my kitchen window at an angle that caught the black etched stripes on the animals. There were little crystal-like dots all along the stripes. I had never noticed that they sparkled. They were beautiful.
Neither the tree nor the drinking vessel revealed their true beauty until the sun shone on them. We can bask in the sunshine, warming us, relaxing us, comforting us, feeding us with the vitamins that it generously shares.
I have friends who are of different backgrounds, different cultures, different religious beliefs. They each hold a special place in my life. They warm my heart as I relax in their comforting presence or as we revitalise each other.
But the ones who feed my soul are the ones who have been exposed to the warmth and nourishment of the Son. Their natural personality reaches toward him. Their true beauty shines because the Son is able to be revealed through them.
Shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus.
Prayer Phrase
“Attention is the beginning of devotion” (Mary Oliver).
Spiritual Practice
Holy Attention
Engaging in the practice of holy attention allows us to suspend our inner conversations and agendas and give reverent and receptive focus to a specific person or portion of God’s creation. Regarding another as an unrepeatable miracle whose life journey is unique and sacred brings awareness to and affirmation of God’s presence in all creation. We do this in the spirit of Christ who saw into the deep hearts of people and recognized their true identities as God’s beloved. Spend time this day in prayerful attention to God’s creation, to the people in your life, and to your daily surroundings.
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.
