For all the beauties of the earth...

Many Italians don't appreciate the wonders of Rome and wonder why on earth so many foreigners make the effort to visit the city.

I might add that there are many living in England who don't value the beauty of their own countryside. perhaps it's a case of familiarity breeding contempt. Still, this morning, as I walked along the road and admired the brilliant yellow of the ragwort, the purple thistles, pink honeysuckle, developing blackberries and the brilliant greenness of my surroundings, it was good to be alive. Strolling along the edges of fields filled with ripening wheat and oats, I thanked God for the fruitfulness of the thick black soils of Lancashire.

It's very easy to become so used to the richness of our surroundings that we take them for granted. Sometimes it's only absence that makes the heart grow fonder and opens our eyes to the blessings of ordinary daily life. We're surrounded by treasures if only we'd open our eyes and hearts to the beauty of the world around us.

God bless,
Sr. Janet