I have daily reminders of God’s presence in my world every time I step foot outside.   My flowers and veggies are in full bloom, and I cannot help but smile when I go outdoors.  All four of us get quite excited when we go outside and “harvest”.  We never know what will be ready to pick that day– tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, bell peppers, banana peppers, or tomatillos.  As we find each new veggie ready to eat, we all get a bit giddy (even Abby, who starts clapping her hands).  

 Dispersed within our garden are pockets full of new color and new blooms.  Every day I watch as new sunflower burst forth or as my purple hyacinth vine grows nearly a foot a day.  Everything is growing so fast that my yard feels alive! 

Being a witness to these magnificent daily changes is awe-inspiring.  I cannot help but pause and honor the Sacred work that is unfolding in my own back yard.   I am reminded of how God is full of surprises always willing to unfold in our lives a new gift of color, a surge of sudden growth, or just enough nutrition so we can reach “ripening”. 

Where are we reminded of God’s surprises in our lives?
What or where do we have the honor to daily witness God’s work? 
Let us all stop and be thankful for the many surprises that God has given us. 

Becky Eldredge

Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction. With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.