The Restorative Power of Creation

This photo was taken in one of the public beaches in Mauritius just last April. I took some time off from the day-to-day activities of the mission trip and recollected in prayer and reflection.

Many of those who read this blog are city dwellers and know that it's a treat---a wonderful getaway---to be one with nature; to be united with God in creation. Just by breathing in fresh air is enough to refresh our weary soul.  The breeze against our cheeks even tell us that God wants to be felt and desires to be personal in our prayer.

At least once a week, I so believe, we have to commune with God through nature. That's probably why parks are built -- to give us a breather from the toxicities of work and city pollution.

Perhaps we can deepen our reflection by this quote: "...the aesthetic value of creation cannot be overlooked. Our very contact with nature has a deep restorative power; contemplation of its magnificence imparts peace and serenity." (St. John Paul II, World Day of Peace, January 1, 1990)

We can derive 3 ponder points.

1. Creation is made beautiful for the delight of our souls

I don't think anyone will disagree that God's creation is amazing and beautiful. It is for us to behold and especially to preserve. Our souls well up with inspiration at the sight of a dramatic sunset or an encounter with a centuries-old tree.

2. God restores our strength through the breath of the Holy Spirit

The person of the Holy Spirit is often referred as "breath." By praying intimately to God, especially when surrounded with nature, we feel a restorative power -- as if new life was breathed into us. We are embraced by God's creation like a mother embracing and comforting her child -- even appeasing us of our wounds by blowing gentle heaps of air that soothes and heals.

3. There is peace and serenity in the magnificence of God in creation

Our hearts and minds, when enveloped in nature, are enlightened into discovering---or rediscovering---our purpose. A spiritual perspective is gained by the calmness and stillness of the setting.   When we realize the perfection of the Creator, we are reminded that we are in the loving hands of God -- the best security we can ever have; bringing us peace and serenity by being led to decide on what is right in His eyes.

We often remember St. Francis of Assisi when reflecting about God in nature. So I end with something written about him: "The whole of nature was a sacrament, where Francis would find himself in an ecstasy of prayer with eyes raised to heaven while holding a waterfowl in his hands. The world and all of its beauty was considered a gift from God." (thefranciscanfriars.org)