When I was younger, my family and I want to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmaron, New Mexico.  One of my memories from that trip was of my dad wandering off  to go stare at the Mesa at sunrise and sunset (and probably several other times of day too!).   Dad took a brief moment to stop what he was doing and to enjoy the beauty of the Mesa.

Taking a “Mesa Moment” is part of my Dad’s life.  For 29 years, I have watched my Dad stop and take in the beauty of his surroundings– whether this be in his own yard, in my back yard, at the beach, at my grandparent’s farm, on a cruise ship, at sunrise, sunset, at night, etc.  When Dad comes back from his walks or moments of staring, he tends to come back with a calmness about him.  He also often comes back with  something new he has gathered- a bird’s nest on the ground, a constellation that is visible, a flower that is blooming, the perfect spot for Brady to dig dirt in our back yard.  Other times, he comes back with a new question to ask or with a new insight to share about life. 

I must be honest- there have been many days we have laughed at Dad for his wandering and staring off into space (Love you, Dad!).  However, the older I get, the more I have come to appreciate my Dad’s “Mesa Moments”.  There is something to stopping and taking in all that is around you.  There is something to being present in the moment.  There is something to staring in awe at God’s creation and beauty.  When I stop and take my Dad’s advice and have a “Mesa Moment”, I come back centered and calm with a deep appreciate of the beauty and joy God surrounds us with.  I am often reminded of how much God loves me, and I often, like Dad, gain some new insight or notice something new. 

Just last week, my dad reminded me to have a “Mesa Moment” amidst the whirlwind of visiting tons of family and friends.  These are pictures from my most recent “Mesa Moment” at my in-laws house in St. Francisville, LA. 

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.