“Incline your ear, and come to me, hear that your soul may live.” Matthew 18
As I meditate on rosary, I often think of humility and love or Mary and how similar were the qualities of my mother. A quality that comes to mind that was so great was in the way she listened to others. The countless lazy days of summer, we spent chatting on the porch or indoors, was forming a garden of respect, kindness, gentleness and concern for others. As I become a mother, that seed grew and flourished, with heart to hearts with my daughters and enjoying the love that flowed among us. Sometimes, it was in a beautiful silence that allowed nature to speak to us as we enjoyed little treats together. At the time, I took for granted, the fleetingness of the moments. In it a seed was planted. Slowly, the seed began to take root, when I began to see others through God’s eyes. The flower grew as if to say, ‘I am preparing you for a journey’. A seed grows into something amazing in the garden of God’s love. Although many times I failed, I tried to allow God to tend and maintain this garden.
This little seed, became a seedbed to guide me to God’s will. Like a seed that needs to sprout to show it full beauty, so is the change of life. To be in tune with the heartbeat of God we can be guided by Him. In death, in sorrow, in life, in joy, we are invited, to listen and become beautiful. It is healthy to be able to sit in silence and solitude. It helps us respond to life and the longing our hearts were created for. The more time we spend meditating on God’s love, the more it helps us ride the waves of life. It keeps us centered on God. Saint Theresa of Avila said, “Settle yourself in solitude and you will come upon God in yourself.”. It is in the longing for God that silence becomes our closest friend. To be attentive.
Fear, time, laziness, discomfort and other reasons can prevent us from being alone with God. Maybe, that’s where God wants you, to be, to heal and restore. Countless times scripture reminds us, “Be not afraid”. When Moses was in the desert guiding the people, God said to him, “Be strong and of good courage, fear not.”. It is difficult to hear, what God is saying to us. It takes patience, time and dedication to prayer, scripture, sacraments and the liturgy. God wants us to make progress. In this time of fasting and abstinence, I too am trying to listen to the longing that God places in me. I practice more daily spiritual reading and find it’s guiding my heart to places, I may not have trod without God guiding me.
God gives us great blessings in the solitude. It is God in my heart, that makes me a more joyful and friendly person, but my tendency has always leaned to enjoy a more contemplative life. I learned early in life to fill the voids and needs with His love. When I was beckoned to the desert, he comforted me. When I had great joy, that overflowed like the rushing water falls, it was him I owed all gratitude.
At times I wonder, if the heart is easier to reach than the soul. I feel God works in our hearts to reach our soul. Each soul is of utmost value to God. “Not a single sparrow falls to the ground, without your Father’s knowledge.”. Matthew 10:29
Perfect Peace,
Claudia
OurNourishedSoul