
“Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.” -Psalm 36:6 (NRSV)
Salvation during the pandemic has come in many forms for me. One of the most important, and I hope enduring, is finding a time and place for silence, stillness, and meditation. Life can get very busy with lots of things tugging for attention. In closing many doors, the pandemic helped me open another one that I am relishing and appreciating.
With nowhere else to go, my yard became a place of observation and restoration. I began to notice more carefully all the animals and birds that come and go. Despite their voracious appetites for the roses, the doe and fawn garnered my watchful appreciation for their graceful movements. Pulling weeds became therapeutic and planting herbs, vegetables and flowers restored my body, mind and spirit.
Following the advice of a dear friend, I began to read Fr. Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations to begin my day. Today’s Psalm contains a summary of many of his meditations. He speaks often of righteousness and justice with concrete suggestions on how to work towards a more equitable and just society. As a Franciscan, he recognizes our interdependence with animals. (Click here for one.)
Dear God thank you for opportunities to know you through interactions with animals and people. Help us to participate fully in the healing and restoration of the world. Amen.
-Cathey Frederick