Reflections after seeing a Solar Eclipse
I am thankful for those whose preparation enabled so many people to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime moment of the solar eclipse. I celebrate that we took the time and care to share this moment of awe at the mystery of God’s creation.
Questions arise in my heart. What if we put more energy into noticing and reflecting on the everyday wonders of the universe that we take for granted?
I decided to look up some quotes on wonder. I offer these few for your reflection:
“Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory.”
― Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
“The more I wonder, the more I love.”
― Alice Walker, The Color Purple
“There’s a flame of magic inside every stone & every flower, every bird that sings & every frog that croaks. There’s magic in the trees & the hills & the river & the rocks, in the sea & the stars & the wind, a deep, wild magic that’s as old as the world itself. It’s in you too … and in me, and in every living creature, be it ever so small. Even the dirt I’m sweeping up now is stardust. In fact, all of us are made from the stuff of stars.”
― Kate Forsyth, The Puzzle Ring
“The air tasted like wonder. Like candied butterfly wings caught in sugared spiderwebs, and drunken peaches coated in luck.”
― Stephanie Garber, Legendary
Thomas Merton said “This day will never come again.” This thought really spoke to my heart; that this 24 hours is a once-in-a-lifetime gift. Beginning each day with that thought helps me to live it more intentionally.
How will my prayer, thoughts and actions these twenty-four hours serve to create the Beloved community of all creation?
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Leave the things you value to the people and purposes you value most.
Thanks, Donna. I am reminded of G.K. Chesterson’s quote: “Here dies another day during which I have had eyes, ears, hands and the great world around me; and with tomorrow begins another. Why am I allowed two?”
Wow! Thank you, Ann!
This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it.
Thank you, Donna, for these wonderful quotes and your beautiful reflection. I will read and pray it again…
Wonder, Joy, Community, Gratitude for gifts of the amazing universe in motion.
Dear Donna: in a world of so much grief and mourning, you remind us of wonder. That’s where we find hope!
Donna, I very much appreciate your reminder that the awesome wondrousness of the total solar eclipse is likewise evident in the many day-to-day marvels we fail to notice or acknowledge. Although these may seem much less spectacular, they are no less miraculous –evidence of the divine Presence in all Her gentle glory . Thank you!
I echo all the sentiments already expressed. Ìt’s been difficult for me to find words to express my experience of the eclipse. Your words, Donna, and the words of those you quoted are so helpful. I especially love the Stephanie Garber quote…whimsical.
Oh we really don’t need to think about the equation of the ellipse x2a2+y2b2blog-blog / we can focus on every day’s gods creation ! Jesus is a rock star ! Thanks ☺️ Sr. Donna
I feel so very fortunate to be part of a Providence Community where moments matter and are honored with wonderfully written reflections. Aren’t we spoiled (as my companion Margaret Quinlan SP would say)! Love the photo Sister Donna!!