This landscape of “mountains” and “valleys” speckled with glittering stars is actually the edge of a nearby, young, star-forming region called NGC 3324 in the Carina Nebula. Captured in infrared light by NASA’s new James Webb Space Telescope, this image reveals for the first time previously invisible areas of star birth. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI
We are all guilty of being busy and distracted in this hustle and bustle world. I am guilty of this too. When do we take time to wonder? Also, the world has become a hard place to live in. Perhaps if we looked to the stars or the oceans to reclaim a little of our humanity the world could be a better place.
Creation is a big place and it somehow puts our problems in perspective. If we don’t lose our sense of wonder perhaps we will be better people. As we go through this life may we work toward peace and reconcile with the people and problems that keep us in chaos.
The thing about reflections is that they can show multiple things simultaneously. With that being said here are a few thoughts.
People are made up of a body and a soul linked together. It takes both to create a human being. Everyone is created in the image of their creator/higher power. It is important to understand that the body and soul are linked.
People need love and understanding. Without those important things people can feel like they don’t matter. Just think about how the world can change when we give a damn about our family, friends, neighbors and people we haven’t met yet.
Someone once said what the world needs now is love. In all it’s wonderful forms.
As I went to church this morning I was in a safe place with no chaos. Today in Ukraine people were just trying to find a place to worship where they could do so in safety and peace. I am mindful of this fact and I should be more grateful. Who knows what Easter will be like for these people. It’s also OK for those folks to be pissed off at God for what is happening these days. All I know is that God is with them, no matter what.
Light and water are two things that make life possible. They are also things that can cleanse our hearts and souls. Water can flood and end life. Too much light can blind and burn. It’s amazing how a candle can interrupt the darkness. Water can quench a thirst. We need light to bring forth the truth.
It’s water that can generate power to create artificial light. In my faith life is brought into existence by the light of the sun and the waters of Earth as spoken into existence by God. They are connected and essential to every living thing across the universe. May we be guardians of the light and stewards of the waters.
Stewardship for many is a religious sort of word that might involve giving money to ones place of worship. I think of it as something universal in how we take care of what we have and where we spend our time and treasure. It’s overseeing and protecting something worth preserving.
What we are given is valuable and sharing those gifts can make things better for everyone. Where your money goes is a reflection of what is in your heart. No matter if you believe what you have received comes from a divine place or the sweat of one’s labor being a good steward is a wise thing to do.
The act of giving is a very human act. It does not always require a huge sacrifice. Small gifts and acts from many can add up and make big things happen. Yes, we live in a time when our ability to give is tapped out. We are fatigued and weary. It’s OK to feel that way.
Giving has unique ways of presenting itself and when you least expect it you have made a impact in someone’s life.
When you feel as if you can’t do any more know that what you have done is enough. The wonderful thing about gifts is that they can multiply and impact many lives. Fish and loaves of bread come to mind. Gifts can take the form of time, talents, treasure and so much more.
Giving can be a gift to the giver and receiver. May we all find a little more to give when we have the chance.
The Tony Burgess Blog 