Clouds

I have small obsessions with things in life, that I find are just so beautiful and give me peace. Things such as a cup of coffee in the morning, hearing the flow of water, seeing elephants, The sun beaming through the leaves in the trees and clouds. Elephants, might be the weird one in that bunch, but I do love them. However, yesterday on my way home from work I saw this beautiful cloud. When I see things of such beauty they just take me to another place where I can leave the stress of my job, the play list of errands running through my head, the commotion of the radio and cell phone behind. I am whisked away on top of this cloud imagining my girls are with me bouncing upon the cloud enjoying all the wonders of the world below.

It is important to reflect on nature and what God has given us in it. It is a small oasis for us to retreat from the hubbub of life. There, in his creation, I believe we get a glimpse of what heaven will be like, full of awe and serenity. I believe that my girls are running in the streams, bouncing off clouds, and climbing the heavenly trees or teaching those who have passed from this world how to climb over the pearly gates. I can't imagine anything else but the joy they must have inside to be in God's presence, reaping the rewards of His love for them.

I encourage everyone, especially myself to turn off the TV, the radio, the cell phone, and the Internet and to listen to God's voice to us in being one with nature. Guard your senses, from being complacent and invoke a life of giving with joy.

Chris and I were married on the Feast of St. Francis. A saint who is well known for his love for animals and nature. If it is difficult to pray and converse with Our Lord, use the prayer of those who have gone before us, that teach us how to pray.

Lord make me an instrument of your peace,
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light'
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master grant that I may not so much see to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

.....all that from a cloud. :)