This morning at dawn, as I was heading to mass, I heard my
name called by Sr. Helen Mueting, who wanted to show me a spectacular view of a
tree, crescent moon, and star that was visible through an upper window in the dining
room hallway. I hadn’t noticed it myself and was grateful to Sr. Helen for pointing
out such a beautiful scene. It was a wonderful way to start the day.
This experience reminded me of a quote from the book The Color Purple by Alice Walker: “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in
a field somewhere and don't notice it.” I don’t know if it makes God
angry, but God is likely disappointed and sad for us, I imagine, when we don’t see
and enjoy the beauty of creation in which we are immersed.
One of the great benefits of living in community
is that others often draw my attention to beauty that I am too preoccupied to
see. This call to be mindful of beauty helps me practice gratefulness and
provides me with opportunities to pause and experience awe. I am grateful to
those who are attuned to beauty, and echo the words of Camille Pissarro: "Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other
people see nothing."
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