Finding the Sacred in the Ordinary: Autumn Landscape
In a world filled with a great deal of ugliness and brokenness, it can be easy to believe that beauty can only be found in sacred art. It is easy to see the holiness, lessons, reflections, and Godly connections in paintings of the saints, churches, or religious scenes. But finding God in the ordinary takes a bit more time, and a heart that listens. The truth, though, is that He is there too. God longs to meet us in the everyday moments, especially through His creation. All of creation was made with us in mind, to help us encounter Him and see His goodness. We simply have to slow down, pray, and pay attention. He is waiting for us; we need only take notice.
Autumn is a season of great change—shifting weather, new routines, shorter days, and changing liturgical seasons. These changes come quickly and are often gone before we even take notice. In this painting, the trees are mid-turn, the air crisp enough that we can almost feel it. Through all this change, nature—and God—gently invite us to slow down.
We need to slow down and choose to walk the path of holiness, even when life around us is changing. The worn path through the woods shows deep ruts, marks left by those who have traveled it again and again. Our prayer life should look the same: steady, familiar, and faithful. God desires that we walk with Him so consistently that it becomes second nature. No matter how our schedules shift, we must still make space for prayer: at home, at Mass, in adoration, or out in the quiet of nature.
Along the path, there is a gate separating the wooded trail from what appears to be a body of water beyond. The gate becomes a symbol of choice, an invitation to step forward.
Will we stay in the woods, where it feels safe and familiar?
Will we walk through the gate, our eyes fixed on what lies ahead?
Or will we wander off the path, distracted by the changes around us?
Each gate in our lives represents a moment of decision. God gives us these opportunities to choose—to trust Him, to step forward, and to take part in writing the story of our lives.
This autumn, I invite you to try something different: notice the beauty around you, admire the change, and stay steady on the path to holiness. Walk confidently through the gates God places before you, keeping your eyes open to what lies ahead. Choose to pause, to be silent and reflect on the beauty that surrounds you. The Lord desires to surprise and encounter us in His creation, even in the midst of change. Each season invites us to reflect on the natural movement within our own lives. May we seek and find the Lord anew this autumn.
