Because I hail from New Orleans, snow was an uncommon occurrence in my life. When it snowed during one of my initial discernment visists to the Monastery in 2008, I stood in silent wonder at a window looking out on the Sisters’ private garden court. As I watched the snowflakes dance on the wind as they floated to the ground, some of the Sisters passing by teased me that I looked like a child with her nose pressed to the window.
Three years since moving here to Duluth, I still feel the same way when I watch snow falling: “My God, how beautiful!” Watching the snow come down, seeing Lake Superior come into view at the crest of a hill while driving into the downtown area from the Monastery, marveling at the first crocuses of spring poking their little colorful heads up through the soil, or watching the rising sun paint the horizon magnificent colors–these are all graced moments from God. God blankets me in love in those moments, and provides the encouragement I need to get through whatever unforeseen challenge may be coming my way later that day.
Getting caught up in the hectic routines of our lives, we forget to stop, breath, and notice God’s presence in those simple, humble experience. Moments of stress rob us of joy, and must be countered with moments of grace. It is precisely during the times when we feel we cannot slow down that we must. God wants to hold us, renew us, speak to us.
The prayer practices and life of monastic communities traditionally had as their goal a constant awareness of the presence of God in all things, even in times of difficulty and pain. Living becomes prayer. Until we reach such perfection, we continue to pray, to work, and to pause and savor small, graced moments. They instill a spirit of gratitude for the God who loved us into being and simply walks with us thoughout our lifetimes.
How have you experienced a graced moment today?
Photo from wec-wec.blogspot.com
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Sister Ann Marie WainrightSister Ann Marie Wainright is a Benedictine Sister of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, she worked as a CPA for many years before earning dual masters degrees in counseling and pastoral studies. Sister Ann Marie is interested how people encounter God in their daily lives and how they use their faith and spirituality in meeting difficult challenges. View all of Sister Ann Marie’s blogs. |