Evening Ride

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” 

~ Anne Frank

I couldn't agree more with dear Anne. The truth in her words is some of the most relevant in my own life. Sleeping outside, watching the billions of stars and a few satellites drift by, for hours into the night. Grabbing my camera and spending an hour or so capturing the beauty around me. Watching the clouds from the hammock. Biking for hours and miles through the countryside. 

All of these pastimes when I was surrounded by nature, everything truly felt as it should be. As hard, confusing, painful, or crazy my life was during those moments, things felt as they should be. Everything else deteriorated away and all that was left was me, God, and nature. I was more receptable to whatever God wanted to place in my heart. It was easier to know how I really felt about things. I was more open to receiving His peace. Everything else didn't matter in those moments. 

Most of all, in those moments when it was just me and God's creation, I could never doubt His existence. No matter how alone or broken I felt, He was there and His presence was overwhelming. 

There, away from everything, nature directed my thoughts to what really mattered. While consoling, it guided me to the one true consolation.

After a hard and full day of landscaping, I went out on my first bike ride of the summer. I had forgotten how much I love bike riding and how much it gets my mind off of things. It was the first of many more rides to come the next few months. Regardless of my messy, messy life, nature never fails to remind me, everything is as it should be. 

Con amore in Cristo,

 Bluebird

Mothers

I have been thinking about motherhood and mothers a lot lately. Thinking about how they do it... Thinking about the immeasurable love that overflows the heart of a mother... The miracle of motherhood is simply mind-blowing. To me, it is something so incredible I won't ever be able to fully comprehend it's beauty and loveliness. Of course, mothers are just as human as you and I, they make mistakes, they have faults, but I believe that is what makes their beauty even more marvelous. Because in spite of their errors and shortcomings, they still grow, birth, raise, teach, comfort, and love their children with all that they are... 24/7. Even in those grueling every-day moments, when motherhood is being tested to it's very limits, there is a divine mystery being lived out. It is beautiful.

All of this is a humbling thing to reflect on... To be entrusted with the souls given to you by God to bring to heaven is something beyond comprehension. We all witness it every day; it is the biggest responsibility and honor one can be given. 

Too often, I neglect to be as grateful as I should for my own mother. Too often I lack appreciation and take for granted the love she has for me. Yet, even when it seems like I'm not listening, I am. When it seems like I don't care, I do. Even when it seems like I'm not looking, I see. I see a mother who always puts her children, the souls entrusted to her, before herself with undying love and patience. Even when they are, and especially I am, extremely undeserving. 

Day by day, moment by moment, a mother nurtures her child, another precious human being. Building them up into who they are meant to be. Many moments pass by unthanked, many you won't remember, but through all of these moments you become who you are. Behind who you are, there lives a devoted and compassionate mother, who cares and has a love unlike any other for you. 

Happy Mother's Day. 

“The homemaker has the ultimate career. 

All other careers exist for one purpose only - 

and that is to support the ultimate career. ”

- C.S. Lewis

Con amore in Cristo,

 Bluebird