Listening
Through Creation
by
Robbin Brent
I discovered the opening quote in one of my favorite
books honoring creation, Earth’s Echo, by Robert Hamma. In this book he
explores ways to listen for God in the world around us, how to be present, and
how to notice. During this time of great uncertainty, turbulence, loss, and
change, I take refuge in two places where I am able to remember God’s mercy and
love: by the ocean and in the mountain woods. Oceanside, the rhythm of the
tide, the moon’s phases, and the rise and fall of the sun, are a steady source
of comfort, inspiration, a place where I experience a deepening of trust in
God’s bounty. All I have to do is to show up and pay attention.
In the mountains, it is a walk to an ancient pine tree
deep in the woods near my home. Every step I take toward the tree, I am aware
of the fidelity of nature to be exactly what it was created to be. It rekindles
my desire to listen more deeply for all the ways God lets me know who I am
created to be in this world.
A contemplative practice I often engage with in these two
places is walking meditation. As I walk, I follow my breathing and sense my
feet making contact with the ground. I try to notice when each foot leaves the
ground, and the moment they return to the ground. When I get distracted, I just
come back to my breath and to my feet. I end with a prayer of thanksgiving for
the gift of fully sensing my body in the present moment in God’s glorious
creation.
Making
It Personal:
Do you have a favorite place in nature where you are more
free to notice all the ways God expresses love for you, and for all of
creation?
If you aren’t able to travel to that place, do you have
mementos you could place in your prayer space? It could be freshly fallen
leaves, sea shells, acorns, rocks, fruit/veggie, flowers, etc.
Living
Well Through Lent 2021
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©2021 Scott Stoner.
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Are you finding this Lenten Devotional Series helpful?
Please COMMENT to allow me to evaluate my reactions to my blog.
Should I continue this blog I have felt to re-establish or should I discontinue?
I have already decided to continue through the Month of May 2020
to follow the Lenten Season.
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