Lent

Part of my Lenten reflection is doing some spiritual reading. We have several books by Henri Nouwen in the house. He has wonderful insights into spirituality and living with the poor and the broken. When living in solidarity with the poor, one sees their powerlessness but also becomes a witness that through grace, all blessings come from God. Coming from a land of power, control where big is better, it is easy for me overlook these often simple and small blessings in life.
In his Latin American Journal, Nouwen speaks to this simplicity using Is. 11:1-2.

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him

Nouwen says, "Somehow, I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God's saving power; but over and over again, I am reminded that spectacles, power plays, and big events are the ways of the world. Our temptation is to be distracted by them and made blind to the shoot that shall sprout from the stump."

I especially relate to his viewpoint that those who seek power plays, spectacles or the spot light are distracted by the ways of the world. I think that is why I enjoy seeing God in the simple beauty of nature. I am looking forward to this coming week. We will be on retreat in Tortugas which I am told has a lovely beach. Being near the water has always put me in a more reflective mood. Perfect timing for my Lenten journey.