A Reflection on Where We See God

Summertime has a way of slowing things down. The days grow longer, the sun lingers in the sky, and we find moments to breathe a little deeper. In the stillness of a warm afternoon or the laughter echoing from children playing, there is an invitation—one we often miss in the busyness of ordinary time—to see God more clearly.

Nature becomes a teacher in these months. The rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze, the brilliance of flowers in full bloom, the rhythm of waves lapping at the shore—all whisper of a Creator who delights in beauty, order, and peace. If we pause long enough to notice, these ordinary sights can stir within us a sense of wonder and awe, a desire to praise in gratitude for the life we have been given.

Summertime permits us to rest, and in that rest, we rediscover the quiet presence of God. Whether we’re on vacation, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying a slower pace, this season encourages us to be more present, more aware. And it is in that awareness that we begin to see God in all things—in the warmth of sunlight on our skin, the kindness of a stranger, the stillness of early morning, and especially in the longing we feel for something more.

St. Ignatius of Loyola encouraged us to “find God in all things,” and summertime offers us fertile ground to practice that. It’s a time for gratitude and for recognizing that God is not only found in the sanctuary, but also in the backyard, at the picnic table, in the garden, in laughter, and even in the quiet.

So let this be a season, not just of rest, but of renewal. Let the beauty around you draw you into deeper communion with the One who made it all. And may the simplicity of summer lead your heart to see the sacred in all things. 

Ask yourself, “Where have I seen God today?”