Connection: It’s In Our Nature

The string of picture-perfect Fall days this past week has afforded me the opportunity to spend some quality time just wallowing in nature. Our house is on a lot that includes multiple flowerbeds, trees of all kinds, and a backyard wooded area that is home to a lot of wildlife. So, this time of year things get really interesting around here.

As I have been spending more time just taking in all that nature has on display these days, I have a greater awareness of the power at work in nature. The natural world is a living, changing, powerful reflection of the Divine. Not unlike us. I have a greater awareness of the connection between nature and myself. We are just different manifestation of the same thing—God’s creative power.

Last week we celebrated the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the epitome of a nature-lover. It is said that he was open to letting nature teach him about life. He learned humility from the earthworm and the importance of community from the bees. What can we learn from nature?

I’ve learned the freedom in letting go. Watching each leaf as it gently snaps off at its allotted time and floats gracefully to the ground has taught me not to be afraid of change. Life is full of “dyings” that can lead to new ground. Imagine the freedom in dying to our resentments and anger. Our fears and wild imaginings.

From the maniacal squirrels I see, hoarding acorns for the winter and chasing each other up and down the tree trunks, I’ve learned the wisdom in balancing hard work with hard play. I know not to be too serious and forward thinking all the time. Sometimes you need to just playfully chase around in the moment!

From the potted plant on our patio, that you see in the picture above, I’ve learned the greatest lesson of all. Bloom where you are planted. Life will not always be what you had hoped it would be. We can often find ourselves planted in tough situations, but we should never give up hope. If we dig deep enough into our connection with God we can bloom in spite of the odds.

I encourage you to get outside and just observe. I know there are life-changing lessons to be learned. We just need to be willing students.

Joan

If you want to begin to explore our connection with nature, I encourage you to consider joining us at the Firstfruits mini-retreat October 21 and/or 22. We are offering a presentation entitled Connection: It’s in Our Nature. Click here for details or click here to register.