Trace of the Divine

By Steve Martin

     The world we live in today can be a dark and scary place at times. The mainstream media seems obsessed with highlighting news clips that set off fear and discouragement in the heart and mind. It’s almost as if these selections are intentionally picked to keep people distracted from the good and the beautiful. It can be hard to see God through this web of negativity. 

     Most of us are very busy people. Too often we fill our days and nights with constant activity. We say “I am too busy to pray.” Moving through life at such a hectic pace can distract us from the presence of God.  In the midst of distraction our strength fades. When we forget that the power of the Holy Spirit is the source of our vitality, we set ourselves up to fall.

     We begin to feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. This is exactly when it is best for us to `slow down and smell the roses.’ Get outside and look for a trace of the Divine in the natural world. God’s imprint is on all of creation. 

     We can see proof of God’s existence through the beautiful and good things he has made. The following quote from St. Augustine testifies to this means of seeking God.   

Question the beauty of the earth, question the beauty of the sea, question the beauty of the air distending and diffusing itself, question the beauty of the sky… question all of these realities. All respond: “See we are beautiful.” Their beauty is a profession [confessio]. These beauties are all subject to change. Who made them if not the Beautiful One who is not

subject to change?¹ 

     Take a moment to try.  Look around… what do you see?  Listen… what do you hear?  Can you feel the wind on your skin? Does it smell like summer?       

     Plan to spend some time today experiencing God’s love specifically through the gifts of his creation. God is a loving Father who wants to give us all we need. Once we remind ourselves that God is with us, trusting in his promise to provide becomes easier. We can face the day with a renewed and vibrant faith. 

¹Catechism of the Catholic Church pg. 32