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Religious: God’s wondrous world
Sharon McRann
for South Peace News
It would be an easy thing for ministers and others in the helping professions to become jaded, world-weary or cynical. We see a lot of sorrow, illness and death. If one let it, it could colour the way one sees the world.
It would also be easy for those who experience the many hardships and disappointments of life to become depressed and cynical as well.
The other day I was encouraged to hear one of my parishioners voice her delight in this world we live in. Referring to a sign that was on one of our bulletin boards that said, “This is my wondrous world” she commented on just how wondrous our world is. She could easily focus on her own aches, pains and illness in the family, but instead she saw the beauty and the wonderful gifts we have been given, and the wonderful array of birds singing outside her window.
It was one of those AHA moments when we realized our outlook on life is a choice.
If all we notice is the doom and gloom of life then life will be a sad experience, but if we see all of the wonder and beauty of God’s world then we will be happier and we will discover that joy and laughter and fun are also there for the taking.
Last night as I drove home I marveled at the large round bright yellow full moon. I felt a sense of joy at seeing the “man in the moon.” What a wonderful treat to be able to look up and see something, not only beautiful but also humourous. Later that night I was in awe as the headlights of my car highlighted the sparkles in the snow.
I am privileged to be able to walk in the country early in the morning and listen to the silence and breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the vast stretch of land, feel the wind in the trees and in my hair and I thank God for this beautiful gift.
One of the most spiritual experiences I’ve ever had was the day I came to the realization that life was good and I wouldn’t change a thing, in spite of the many heartaches, losses, and disappointments that life had so far delivered to me. I love life – all of it and God is good.
There is a hymn that says, “This is God’s wondrous world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is God’s wondrous world, I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, God’s hand the wonders wrought. This is God’s wondrous world: the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declares their Maker’s praise. This is God’s wondrous world: God shines in all that’s fair, in the rustling grass or mountain pass, God’s voice speaks everywhere.”
God makes God-self known to us in many ways: in nature, in music, in positive relationships, in books, in AHA moments, in the Bible, through Jesus’ life and teachings. God gives us more than enough to live. No one has to go without if all of God’s people would learn to share.
Christmas is coming and it’s not always a happy time. Some people find it depressing and difficult. Some people are lonely and grieving. And it is OK and natural to feel those things. Hopefully, they will experience some moments of joy, too, and know that God is with them, loving them and comforting them … that sorrow and disappointment are only a part of the human condition.
Our Advent themes are: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. God helps us to attain each of these gifts. We humans are part of this God’s wondrous world. We were created to be gifts to one another. We were also gifted with free will. We can choose to become part of God’s plan to bring hope, peace, joy and love to others or we can choose to defy God and cause strife.
Sometimes what God intends of us is marred by what we choose. Because of this there is unrest and discord in our world.
If we open our eyes and our hearts to God’s wondrous world, we will know hope, peace, joy and love. Through our faith in God, we have hope for the future.
If we strive for peaceful relationships at home, in our churches, in our communities, and in the world then we will find peace in our lives.
If we open our eyes, our ears; if we use all of our senses we will know joy.
And, of course, when we open our hearts and recognize that every person has value and worth, we will know the love that comes from God and from our fellow human beings.
May peace, joy, love and especially hope be with you all at this time of year when we remember Emmanuel … God with us and give thanks for all He has done and is doing and for all the blessings we are gifted with.
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