The Message and Gift of Creation

While on a recent silent retreat, Jen Scheuermann felt God speak through His Creation.

During a recent silent retreat I at first had trouble settling into the silence. But two days in, as I sat on the front porch overlooking the retreat grounds, my mind and spirit finally stilled. And as I did, my senses gradually awakened to all that was happening around me. Time stood still as I was gently overwhelmed with countless little details—details that were at once both contradictory and in complete harmony:

The sensation of both the cool breeze and warm sun on my skin at once.
The trees with evergreen leaves standing beside those with bare-naked branches.
The sun setting before me as the moon rose behind me.

Somehow the balance and harmony found within the opposing details of God’s Creation stood out in a way I’d never before noticed. It was as if I was seeing the world around me for the first time. And I was seeing it all through His lens. And it was beautiful. Awe-inspiring. Absolute perfection. And, with certainty, it was created with great intention.

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Soaking in every little detail, my mind drifted to some of the situations in my own life, situations that often carry opposition and contradiction, ones I normally view as conflict and receive with angst. Could it be that harmony and beauty exists in these situations as well? And is it possible that I am unable to see it simply because I've never paused to view these situations through God's lens?

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It was as if I was seeing the world around me for the first time. And I was seeing it all through His lens. #CatholicMom

Pondering these questions I left the porch and set out to explore the grounds surrounding the retreat house. And as I did, I heard His gentle whisper:

“Come,” He said,
“Come away with Me.
An old house by the river
Is where we’ll meet.”

Unplug from the world,
and stay a few days.
Leave your cares behind;
I want you to play.

Sense the warmth of the sun
Through the crisp winter air.
In the still afternoon
Feel the breeze blow your hair.

Watch a ladybug leap
As her wings quickly flutter.
Spy a boat traveling far
On the slow-moving river.

Grab your coffee and blanket
While the sky is still dark;
Fix your gaze upon heaven—
Catch a shooting star.

Listen to birds serenade
The new morning sun.
Hear leaves fall like rain
In the silence of dawn.

With shades of orange and pink
I will color the sky.
You can watch the sun disappear
While I make the moon rise.

Soak in My Creation,
And spend time in My Word.
Come learn the language I speak;
My Voice will be heard.

I had you in mind
When I created all this
Come see, hear, and feel it—
Receive it as gift.”