Today’s video and post are intended to be a simple reminders of the beauty of God. The video features a young girl her pajamas who is totally excited about enjoying the rain for the first time. She doesn’t care about getting wet, getting sick, or falling down. She’s too lost in the joyful moment of expressing her unexpected, overwhelmed, and simple awe before the mystery which is rainfall.

The video led me to think about what an immense gift it is to be able to truly marvel before truly marvelous realities. I know that few of us have it, but we must learn to enjoy God’s gifts in these simple life experiences.

Most of us, unfortunately, have become accustomed, routinized, blinded by the “important” things in life. So today’s video is a gift for all of us who have lost sight of reality in all its depth, riches, and mystery.

Remember, God has chosen the simple to reveal himself: the manager, children, doves, bread, fish, seeds, the fields, donkeys, etc… Awe keeps us awake, alert, on our toes, like lights lit to receive time and time again the Spouse who comes to us in our lives. And, well, if you happen to wait in pajamas (like our young friend) who cares! What is important is that you wait with eyes open and the heart exposed.

Reflection Questions:

1.) What are the simple things in life that cause you to feel this type of awe and joy? When was the last time you talk a moment to experience them again? Find time to laugh, dance, and sing some time this week.  Allow your worries and concerns to take a back seat while you enjoy God’s goodness.

2.)  Spend some time outside this week and don’t let the weather keep you from it! If it is sunny, remember the Son that God sent down to save us.  If it is cold, think about the warmth of God’s love surrounding you.  If it is snowing or raining, be reminded of the Holy Spirit falling upon you.  Let God speak to you through the beauty of His creation. Remember, “There is no such thing as bad weather. All weather is good because it is God’s.”– Saint Teresa of Avila

3.) If you have children, take a moment to think of a new experience you could provide for them. Anything from trying an exotic fruit or taking a hike in a park you’ve never been to.  Observe their excitement and awe. Remind them that these simple gifts from God are more valuable than any material thing that we could ever possess.

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  A College Student’s Guide To Advent
  As I walked from the campus library to my dorm with my roommate, we discussed our plans for the weekend. It was a temperate December day in Southwest Florida at Ave Maria University. “Don’t forget!” My roommate reminded, “Advent begins this weekend. Let’s go to the 8:30 am Mass on Sunday.” I agreed but was… Read more: A College Student’s Guide To Advent
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  The Gestation Of Advent: The Wait Of Hopeful Longing For The Coming Of The Messiah
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  What Creed Do You Live By? Be Dangerous & Make A Stand!
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  How To Celebrate Advent And Learn To Wait With Kids
  Advent: the season most Catholics would like to honor more appropriately but find it difficult to do so with the commercial Christmas creeping in all around. But when we do celebrate Advent it is totally worth it— both for the value in the season in and of itself, but also in the way it affects… Read more: How To Celebrate Advent And Learn To Wait With Kids
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  Catholic Music Spotlight: Advent Songs With Angelic Voices
  You could listen to Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey to get you in the Christmas spirit. That might get you into a hot cocoa and snow angels mood, but “All I Want for Christmas is You” won’t prepare you for the coming of the Lord, during the Advent season. An alternative to truly prepare for… Read more: Catholic Music Spotlight: Advent Songs With Angelic Voices

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