Beholding the Ordinary

“Hope springs from that which is right in front of us, which surprises us, and seems to work.” ― Anne Lamott

Sometimes the way to hope, peace, and possibilities can be found in beholding and blessing the ordinary.

This past weekend at our Women’s Retreat, I found myself relishing the gift of intimate in person conversations. And while walking slowly and paying more attention to my surroundings, I reflected on the wisdom Julie Bowman shared in her Contemplative Photography workshop the previous weekend.

A common thread in many programs, including Julie’s workshop and Betsy Aylin’s facilitation of our exploration of Shalom: a Gift of  Wholeness at the retreat, is slowing down enough to experience the beauty and blessings often found  in the ordinary.

“Ordinary love, anonymous and unnoticed as it is, is the substance of peace on earth, the currency of God’s grace in our daily life.” ―Tish Harrison Warren

I invite you to slow down, soften your gaze, and notice the beauty and blessing to be found in a dandelion in the grass, a conversation with a friend, or in eating a simple bowl of oatmeal.

May you be blessed to see hope, beauty, and blessings in the ordinary today.

Holiness Comes