The more a tree is like itself, the more it is like Him. If it tried to be like something else which it was never intended to be, it would be less like God and therefore it would give Him less glory.
No two created things are exactly alike. And their individuality is no imperfection. On the contrary, the perfection of each created thing is not merely in its conformity to an abstract type but in it's own individual identity with itself. This particular tree will give glory to God by spreading out its roots in the earth and raising its branches into the air and the light in a way that no other tree before or after it ever did or will do.
-Thomas Merton, From the book New Seeds of Contemplation
*Thanks Alice For quoting this during your teaching the other day. I needed to hear it...
This painting is "An Old Acquaintance" by Megan Lightell
3 comments:
I wish more attention were generally paid to Christianity's contemplative aspect.
beautiful, al
Wow...thanks for sharing that Alli. I am enjoying your music so much! I go to your myspace and just leave it open to hear your wonderful music and gifted voice! I just bought two of your cd's online tonight and I can't wait to get them to take back with us to Thailand! :) God bless you Alli and all that He has you doing!
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