June 2, 2023

Guest Column / Richard Etienne

Be thankful to God, through whom all blessings flow

Richard EtienneI have recently been spending more time in the world of my 1 ½-year-old grandson. It has been an amazing experience!

He wakes up every day with a sense of “What does God have planned for me today?” He attacks every day—once he has had his first few sips of milk.

My latest revelation has been the delight with which he sees so much in life. He revels in wind chimes. He wants to hear the cuckoo clock. He wants to pick flowers and shred leaves. He wants to build towers of blocks and then knock them over. He is fascinated by puzzles.

We shared our first experience with a butterfly last summer. He is intrigued by doorknobs and everything mechanical. He seems to enjoy being sung to just before he sleeps. He is attempting to say every new word when prompted. One of his latest discoveries is “Alleluia!”

How did so many of us lose that wonderful ability to find delight in almost every area of life? Yes, we can find ourselves in awe if we are blessed to see a sunset over the Grand Canyon. Or stand in wonder when in the presence of the sequoias in Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park.

But there are many other wonders to behold that can bring us delight—the textures and flavors of fresh bread, pastries, soups or casseroles. The scent of fresh-cut basil, pine or mint. The feel of a soft fabric to our touch. The light from the sun on every living thing, especially just after sunrise or just before sunset.

In Scripture, we read about the wonders of creation in the opening lines of the Book of Genesis. And at the end of each day of creation, “God saw how good it was” (Gn 1:25).

What part of God’s creation have you been hurrying past recently that you could appreciate? Let us increase our awareness of the many delights that surround us each day. Take them in and be thankful to God, through whom all blessings flow!
 

(Richard Etienne has a degree in theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad and resides in Newburgh, Ind., in the Evansville Diocese.) †

Local site Links: