When Creation Rings, Answer

A few days ago, the sun finally came out after weeks of grey, cold, and dreary weather, which is not a palatable existence for Central Texans. 

My cat and I ventured into the backyard and sat on our back porch together.  The cat is my constant companion since I became the only human in the house, which makes for awkward moments when I need to be in the bathroom alone. 

We sat on the back porch with the sun shining on us, and I closed my eyes for a while just to feel the sun on my face and to listen more carefully to the sounds of the birds and chattering squirrels, along with the gentle tones of the wind chimes.  

A cool breeze wafted over me, and I opened my eyes to the dazzling blue skies, the tops of trees beginning to show signs of budding new leaves.   

I wanted to sit there the rest of the day but settled for simply staying put until I finished my second cup of coffee.  When I finally stood up, I did so wistfully, but also filled with different energy.  

In the rush of daily life, it's easy to become disenchanted and overlook the profound beauty of creation surrounding us. 

Yet, as the poet Mary Oliver reminds us in her stirring lines: 

“You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.” 

These words invite us to embrace the simplicity of being present, to reconnect with the wildness of our spirit that finds solace in the natural world.

Oliver challenges us to share our despair and acknowledge our struggles, yet, in the same breath, she reminds us that “the world goes on.” 

The sun rises and sets, the rain nourishes the earth, and the wild geese go home. This constant motion of creation is a testament to the beauty of existence—a call to discover the external world and our place within it. 

In the Christian tradition, Psalm 104 resonates deeply with these themes: “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom, you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” 

This passage speaks to the interconnectedness of all creation, urging us to observe the intricate dance of life that unfolds daily. From the smallest flower breaking through the cold earth to the majestic mountains that touch the sky, each element of creation reflects the divine artistry of God.

Amid this breathtaking tapestry, Oliver’s words remind us that we do not need to earn our place in the cosmos through suffering or penance; rather, our capacity to love—and to simply be—makes us part of this divine family. 

“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination,” she declares, urging us to awaken to the beauty that calls to us, harsh yet exhilarating, much like the wild geese announcing their presence.

Let me offer this challenge to you to cultivate a spirit of openness to the world around you. Take a moment each day to witness the beauty of creation—pause to listen to the rustle of leaves, observe the delicate intricacies of a flower, or feel the sun's warmth on your skin. 

In doing so, you may find God embedded in these moments and discover a deeper connection to your existence. Let the world reveal its wonders to you, and in turn, let yourself see the reflection of God within all things. 

By opening our hearts to creation, we embrace our place in the family of things and reveal the profound peace that comes from this connection.

May this be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us now and always. Amen.