By John Bonney of Springfield, Oregon USA
“Let there be light,” and there was light.
We are standing on a high hillside. The grass is green and glossy. We recall that this same grass is a gift of creation, found only upon this Earth, growing for us as a blessing. The entire Earth is under our feet, and this special planet is our dwelling place, given for our use, our admiration, and our stewardship. It is our home. We could not exist were it not for this Earth.
The air around us shimmers with the presence of eternity—a fine, gossamer robe of gleaming light glistening with the promise of eternal love. It is like nothing experienced before. To our left is a gathering of deciduous trees. Their leaves also shine with the light of creation, and they rustle responsively in a soft breeze so gentle as to be almost unknown.
We are one with creation. We are filled, to be emptied until there is no more within. We feel at home as never before. Waves of blessing descend upon us, rise up to us, float around us, and we are filled with a new filling. Oh, thank you, most holiness! Thank you! We realize the blessings which are often taken for granted—food we eat every day, air we are free to breathe, love we share within and outside our homes, gifts of housing and education and friends, and healthcare and…
Then we weep silently as we think of how many on this wonderful Earth do not have even the barest benefits. If we can do little to assuage such needs, we can at least hope for gifts of tangible blessing for them: “Oh that which is most holy, may those without find the day when they are fed and clothed and taught and cared for!”
And then we can say, as the word has come down, thus, “Whom shall I send?” And upon hearing that voice we can say, “Here am I, dear Lord. Send me!”
We move together as one, down the hillside, into the valley of need, praising God and singing, “Holy, holy, holy.”
Amen. It has been said, amen!
Reflection Question
How does God’s creation express God’s abundant generosity?
Prayer Phrase
“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
Seeing with Generous Eyes
Sit in silence for a moment and center yourself with a few deep breaths. Reflect on the past day or week. Make a list of five ways you experienced God’s generosity—through people, creation, opportunities, or unexpected grace. After each item, offer a short prayer of thanks: “God of abundance, thank you for this gift.” Conclude with “May I carry this awareness into my day and respond with generosity in return.”
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.