Lenten Reflection for March 23rd

There’s allegedly a story about a woman’s encounter with Pablo Picasso that goes, ‘there was a show in France of Picasso's paintings which were exhibited chronologically. One day Picasso was looking at the exhibit and a woman was talking to him. She mentioned that the earlier pictures were organised, staid and perfect.  The later pictures were careless and wild as though they ought to be displayed in the opposite order. And Picasso said to her "Madam, but you don't understand. It takes a long time to become young."’

There are many times when I take notice of something in nature or creation around me that fascinates me, makes me smile or laugh, or at times bewilders me.  I have to wonder though, despite the joy it brings me, when did I grow up so much that I don't appreciate those happenings as much? When was the last time I noticed these moments and events and saw them with a childlike wonder, gifts from the Lord to make me aware of His presence and blessings? Not as often as I should, that’s for certain! 

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon talks about how we are allotted a certain amount of time in life, how the Lord has ordained our days. He says, “Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has long ago approved what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7) Our Heavenly Father wants us to experience joy in life and I can see Joy as being one of the Fruits that stems from the Holy Spirit’s Gift of Wonder and Awe when we are able to take the time to pause and acknowledge God’s presence all around us in each day of our lives. 

If we pray for an increase of this Gift of Wonder and Awe, we will find our eyes are more open to how God shows us how near He really is to us and through this awareness, experience wondrous Joy blossoming in our heart.

For our younger brothers and sisters in Christ:

Have you ever had a moment when you see something in nature that makes you laugh, perhaps an animal doing something funny? Or have you ever looked up at a clear night sky and marveled at how big it is and how many stars are shining? Or looked at how a plant grows and wondered how on earth it’s able to thrive in the ground?

Sometimes as we grow older, the sense of wonder in these things we see starts to fade, we don’t really think about them much. But what if these funny animals, the way that plants grow, the awe we feel when looking at the starry sky aren’t merely plain, boring everyday happenings? What if it is God gifting us these moments to let us know He is always near?

We may not think much about it, but we all have a set amount of time to live, and our Heavenly Father wants us to experience joy in life! Perhaps this is why we do take more notice of the animals or nature, or remember good times in our lives so fondly. 

The Holy Spirit’s Gift of Wonder and Awe can help us to have our eyes open to the joy filled moments God gives to us and to be thankful to Him when we receive them.

God bless you!