Some people may reflect with saints through intercession, which is a time when saints walk with you, pray with you, and are there to help you in times of need, struggle, or support. Although, others may prefer reflection while surrounded by nature. Some may enjoy the crisp smell of autumn on the first day of fall, the last day of spring merging into summertime, or even enjoy being around tall pine trees as the holidays approach as their pathways to prayer.
As for myself, I always feel at peace and almost at home while being under a giant oak tree or at a beach viewing a sunset or sunrise because it gives me a refreshing clean mind to pray to God. I especially feel close to God when looking up at the stars because I understand that God created this world for us all, and that he always hears us, understands us, and answers our prayers. I also believe that it is very important to remember that God is Love, that His Love is never-ending, and that He wants us to pray to him so that we may strengthen our relationship with Him.
All throughout our lives God is there, from beginning to end. Since He is present daily, He leaves His symbols of his love for us as we walk through life’s daily challenges. For example, as a baby, he gives us all curiosity. For instance, a child’s curiosity is shown when an individual sees a rainbow for the first time and wonders what is at the other end? A rainbow introduces a young child to all the colors in heaven. Children grow to enjoy the taste of ice cream, a warm hug from their parents, a lick on the face from their dog, and only wonder what exciting adventure is next.
Babies and children are only learning about prayer, but they experience God’s love through the care of their parents, the compassion of a new friend, the rite of baptism, and the support of their teachers. The cross hanging over a child’s crib or in the family home is a reminder of Jesus. As we grow older, though, we face more obstacles. For example, God is there when we become frustrated over a complex homework problem and is there when we are filled with joy upon receiving an “A” on an exam.
God reminds us of his presence through a parent’s forgiveness, a teacher’s patience, the acceptance from our peers, and the passage through First Holy Communion and Confirmation. This is the time when we first begin to sin such as lying about eating an extra cookie before dinner or not sharing toys. God reminds us that he forgives us when we receive the Eucharist and drink from the chalice. As young adults, we learn how to properly pray the rosary and make a commitment to keeping holy morals through young adulthood.
Then, God is with us when we grow up, become adults and choose a life partner through the Sacrament of Marriage or Holy Orders. The lighting of the unity candle in Mass and exchange of wedding rings symbolizes that marriage is sacred and sealed in heaven. I see God in the actions of my parents and my friend’s parents as they struggle to raise their families. God is ever-present in our priests and nuns who devote their lives to carrying out God’s will. God is present when we say grace before a meal, celebrate Mass, receive a new job opportunity, and have the courage to embrace God’s love by reaching out to neighbors through charitable acts.
I see how my grandparents and the elderly struggle with health issues, loneliness, and concern about their future. Religious chains, crosses on car mirrors, and bumper stickers promoting God prove that at this stage in life, they are confident in the belief that God is constantly with us throughout all stages of our lives. As we move closer to going home to God and experience Last Rites, we are assured of his true presence and grace as we truly become compassionate, kind, and wise throughout the teachings of life’s journey.
The symbols that God gives us provide us daily comfort as a reminder that he is always with us and will take our hand as we pass into the Kingdom of Heaven. God never promised us that life would be easy, fair, or long. He does promise that he will never stop loving us and will never abandon us. He knows when we are sad, lonely, afraid, exhausted, peaceful, and content. If you open your heart to God each day through prayer, you will surely find his love carrying you through life. May God walk with you today and your eyes be open to the symbols of his love now and always. May God bless you all.