This is the fourth day of my Novena of Gratitude, leading up to Thanksgiving on November 22nd.
I am never alone for there are always family and friends accompanying me on my journey. But there are times I want to be alone. By myself. Or, with God. Often times, I am alone with myself or with God in the silence and solitude of prayer. Sometimes, I seek God or myself in the beauty and serenity of nature.
Today, I am deeply grateful for the gift of nature. In my life, there have been more than 25,000 sunsets. But each one I watch never fail to leave me in awe at the parting of day and night, grateful for the gift of another 24 hours of life. And each sunrise awakens me in gratitude for another day in my life.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” ~ John Muir.
Anabelle and I love going on hikes. Nothing is more invigorating than being immersed in the silence of the forest, the freshness of the air, the darting of other living things among the trees. I am grateful and always amazed how the silence and solitude of the forest invigorates my soul as I pray in the cathedral among the trees.
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” ~ John Muir
Whether it is a stroll along the beach, or just gazing out on a starry night, or marveling at great scenery, there is a stirring in my soul that seems to reverberate with the rest of the universe. There is a certain pulse and rhythm in nature that strikes sympathetic vibrations in my innermost being. And I am simply filled with deep feelings of gratitude. For life and for all its awe and wonder.