June 15, 2011

Stream of Consciousness of sorts ...

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Reading this in Les Miserables:

[Monseigneur Bienvenu walking thru his garden at nighttime ...] "He contemplated the grandeur, and the presence of God; the eternity of the future, that strange mystery; the eternity of the past, a stranger mystery; all the infinities hidden deep in every direction; and, without trying to comprehend the incomprehensible, he saw it. He did not study God; he was dazzled by Him. He reflected on the magnificent union of atoms, which give visible forms to Nature, revealing forces by recognizing them, creating individualities in unity, proportions in extension, the innumerable in the infinite, and through light producing beauty. These unions are forming and dissolving continually, from which come life and death. ...

What more was needed by this old man, who divided the leisure hours of his life, where he had so little leisure, between gardening in the daytime and contemplation at night? Was this narrow enclosure with the sky for a background not space enough for him to adore God in his most beautiful, most subline works? Indeed, is that not everything? What more do you need? A little garden to walk in, and immensity to reflect on. At his feet, something to cultivate and gather; above his head something to study and meditate on; a few flowers on earth and all the stars in heaven."

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Made me think of this verse in the Bible:

"... since what may be known about God is plain ...
because God has made it plain.
For since the creation of the world,
God’s invisible qualities —
his eternal power and divine nature —
have been clearly seen,
being understood from what has been made,
so that people are without excuse."
Romans 1:19-20


Both of which readings brought to my mind my father- & mother-in-law and their beautiful, lovingly-tended, fruitful and flower-full garden ...

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4 comments:

Tracy P. said...

Susan, I love how your stream of consciousness contains no words of your own. You are a wise, wise woman! Thanks for sharing it.

Anita Johnson said...

What a perfect verse...one I hadn't read in a long time. I am so grateful that walking in nature reminds me of our Creator. Such a peace it brings to me too. I love the simple beauty of these photos.

Caseybumpinalong said...

Love this post! - the thoughts and the photos!

Marilyn *Pink Martinis and Pearls* said...

Beautiful. Your prose and the flowers. :)