Today after morning prayer a striking sunrise caught my eye through
the east windows outside the choir chapel. Stark trees highlighted by a
distinct layers of blue and peach compelled me to say “Wow,” but I didn’t stop
long enough to savor the scene and let it seep into my soul. I had e-mail
messages to respond to, you see, and if I didn’t tend to them now, I’d have to
do it later, which would interfere with my plans for the rest of the day. When
I walked by those windows again fifteen minutes later, the vividness of the
sunrise had been washed out by clouds and a watery gray light.
Later at mass we heard the story of a widow who contributed two
small coins amounting to a penny to the temple treasury. Nobody thought her
contribution had any value, but it was precious in God’s eyes, because it was a
sign of her devotion and selflessness. Similarly, most of us don’t think that
paying attention to creation is a good use of our valuable time, but such attention
is precious to God, because it shows a willingness to put aside our own agenda to
show gratitude for the gift of the world.
The next time I notice the sunrise I hope I can recall the
words of Welsh poet W.H. Davies: “A poor life this if, full of care, we have no
time to stand and stare.”
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