I recently finished reading All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. The majority of this easy-to-read novel takes place in 1944 in Saint-Malo, France, with several references to Fort National (image above), built in the 17th century to protect Saint-Malo's port. One of the main characters of the book, Marie-Laure, is blind, but that doesn't stop her from being an astute observer. Throughout the novel, the other main character, Werner, recalls a line from a radio program, "Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever" (p. 58). Since I had visited Saint-Malo in 2010...
the book was that much more vivid, and I found myself recalling the narrow streets in the town, the extreme tides, and the 10 p.m. sunsets. When I arrived in Rotterdam (image below) to visit the Designing 007 exhibit at the Kunsthal museum, the modern architecture reminded me of the fact that the heart of Rotterdam was destroyed during World War II; I imagined its previous appearance.
During a typical day, either at home, at work, or when traveling, we get caught up in the hubbub, and forget to be thankful for all that surrounds us--a beautiful sunset, the laughter of children playing in the snow, the pleasant aroma from a cup of hot tea, the delicious taste of Belgian dark chocolate, or a supportive hug from a friend. Remember to open all of your senses and be kind to yourself and others.
During a typical day, either at home, at work, or when traveling, we get caught up in the hubbub, and forget to be thankful for all that surrounds us--a beautiful sunset, the laughter of children playing in the snow, the pleasant aroma from a cup of hot tea, the delicious taste of Belgian dark chocolate, or a supportive hug from a friend. Remember to open all of your senses and be kind to yourself and others.
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful." (Colossians, 3: 12-15)
Prayers of thanks this Spiritual Sunday for all we are able to experience with our senses, and for all of the wonderful people in our lives that are kind and patient, including old and new friends.
Prayers of thanks this Spiritual Sunday for all we are able to experience with our senses, and for all of the wonderful people in our lives that are kind and patient, including old and new friends.