I’ve been studying Ignatian prayer again. I’ve tried this practice several times over the years, but it hasn’t always come easy. One part that’s especially difficult for me is imagining God simply gazing upon me with love and delight. This is not because of what I do, but simply because I am.
That still, quiet kind off love felt strange. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much of life in motion—helping, serving, doing. The idea of just being loved, without earning it, was hard to receive.
But something is slowly shifting.
Lately, I’ve been learning to rest in the present moment. To let go of the need to achieve in order to be seen. And oddly enough, the lesson is coming through my granddaughter. I watch her play, her little hands exploring the world, her mind figuring things out in wonder. She’s filled with wonder and unfiltered joy. I don’t need her to do anything impressive. I’m captivated simply by who she is. I gaze upon her and delight in her. Everything within softens.
It suddenly dawned on me—that’s a glimpse of how God sees me…and you too! Not as projects – but as children to be loved. Held. Delighted in.
How often we resist that gaze or turn away, worried we haven’t done enough? But the Gardener’s gaze is not harsh or demanding. It’s steady, gentle, and loving. It reminds me that the flower blooms when the sun is allowed to warm its petals.
Where, in your daily life, might you be invited to receive God’s gaze of delight?
I’m sorry to hear that your dad has had a stroke. I pray he is healing and getting healthier each day.
I love your comparison between you watching your granddaughter, play, learn and grow, and God watches us. That image, God watching me, with delight, wow! Just wow! If I will just remember this on a daily basis.
So beautifully touching. I will keep your father, mother and family in my prayers.
Thank you for sharing, Linda.