Reflection: Paying attention to nature increases our trust in God

This reflection also appears in the August issue of Ursuline Associate Update.

By Ursuline Sister Nancy Liddy

Years ago, a religious congregation of Sisters, best known since the late 1800s for their excellent healthcare ministry, sold its last remaining hospital and began planning together for the turnover of their spiritual retreat center and other significant buildings. Although the community strongly supported selling the hospitals to organizations that would continue their mission, the additional loss that followed surfaced some concern among the members.

I had ministered alongside several of these faith-filled Sisters, whose positivity brightened many difficult days at our workplace. Yet I could see that they were beginning to lose steam. Even the strongest and most capable people can feel fear when facing uncertainty.

Worry, anxiety, concern, and stress are part of daily life, especially when we feel unable to control the outcome. As we all may know, the Scriptures remind us to “fear not” over 70 times, invite us to “consider the lilies of the field,’’ and Francis of Assisi encourages us to turn our gaze to the wildflowers, birds and animals who appear free from worry. That said, one spiritual writer half-jokingly defines humans as the “worrying animal.” This is more than wisdom from the past. Allowing time in our day to notice the rhythm of letting go in nature helps lift us from needless worry.

For several summer evenings, the Sisters gathered in the wing of their convent to watch the rare bloom of a night-blooming plant. Some were involved in regular inspection of the bud of the plant to know exactly the night it would bloom. It was very special to witness the atmosphere and rapt silence when the bud burst into a large white flower. Those summer evenings lent something to their life.

Something to Consider

The word “consider” traces back to the Latin considerare meaning “to observe or look at closely.” It literally translates to “observing the night sky.”

Pay attention and observe nature for what it can teach – complete trust in God.

Enjoy the simple countryside and what is closest to you.

We don’t need epic places in order to see epic things.