What If? To See the Unseen

A visit to the coast with family cements Lilia Grundy’s awareness of the divine among us.

Holding the sun 

Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. (Romans 1:20a) 

As the sun began to set, my husband asked our daughters to guide his pose with the glowing backdrop engulfing him. His instructions weren’t too shabby, and the girls were able to direct his stance so that the final photo appeared as he himself was holding the sun. Imagine that!

It’s not hard to get captivated by the natural surroundings at the beach. The sound of the ocean waves, the seagulls flying overhead: it’s our family’s happy place and this getaway was the perfect way to close out the summer. 

As I’ve deepened in my faith, particularly over the past few years, I am keenly aware of God’s presence, and I know my Catholic Mom community is too. But what if ... what if we could actually see that presence right in front of us? 

Seeing the sun 

“Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8) 

We savored the sunset moment and continued to watch the girls prance in the water while we sat in the car listening to the daily readings on the Hallow app. It was as if we were watching a movie, living out the scenes in 3D. I knew God was surrounding us in everything — and the flashbacks of my mom’s voice saying “God is with you” really hit home. In that setting of pure bliss, I wanted nothing more than for others to experience the feeling. 

Throughout our getaway, we were able to enjoy quality time as a family and had the chance to watch a film: If (2024), directed and written by John Krasinski. Although it was a fantasy film, I couldn’t help but think that the imaginary friends that the main character was “seeing” were really real. I reasoned in my mind that we too have invisible friends, our guardian angels of course. I know mine is with me; but if everyone believed, wouldn’t that change everything? 

I shared with my daughters that they too have their invisible protectors by their side every day. And ever since I attended a dear friend’s presentation on the angels, I ensure that my daughters and I pray the Guardian Angel prayer together each night. 

The divine surrounds us every day; we just can’t physically see it. But what if? 

Being the sun 

“In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live.” (John 14:19) 

As a marketer by profession, I’m absolutely drawn to visual images. Speaking of more movies, oceans and sunsets, there is a scene in Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe that leaves an imprint on my heart and gives me comfort. A distraught Lucy looks out into the distance where she sees Aslan (the lion) walking along the sand and realizes he is about to disappear. Her friend, Mr. Tumnus, then says, “Don’t worry, we’ll see him again.”  

And the same goes for our Lord. While we can’t see him now, nor can we see our heavenly cheerleaders among us, they are with us. And if we can be of service to others, perhaps that itself can make a difference. Perhaps our own little sunshine can help others see the light.  

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Copyright 2024 Lilia Grundy
Images: copyright 2024 Lilia Grundy, all rights reserved.