By Dr. Charlotte Phillips
Graduate Counseling Faculty
Why did Jesus often retreat into nature to pray? What did He know that we have perhaps forgotten or ought to relearn or awaken from the depths of our busy conscious minds?
It can be speculated that Jesus knew where to go because He always followed the Father’s directives. If we are called to follow Jesus, then we too should retreat into nature when needed – not only for a picture to post or for a story to tell, but for the mystery of our beautiful Creator hidden in His abundant creation!
Saint Bonaventure was adamant about the importance of our human journey to God and said, “In things of beauty, he contemplated the One who is supremely beautiful, and, led by the footprints he found in creatures, he followed the Beloved everywhere.”
How do we begin to prepare for the difficult days that may lie ahead in our complex and ever-changing lives? How do we truly embrace and accept the beautiful moments when we are always busy solving problems, planning and meeting deadlines?
Matthew 14:23-24:
After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Find time to make a trip into your back yard, stop the car to visit a local urban garden or reach the summit of a beautiful mountain peak and find Him who waits for you! Stay attuned to that small inkling, that voice that speaks through the colors, sounds and smells of creation, and know that you are loved, valued and essential to the unfolding of God’s many plans.
Then, when you have taken in what you needed, just as Jesus did, turn your attention to those who need your wisdom, love, understanding and guidance and give this gift of insight and gratitude away, for the waves and wind continue to rage in the world.
