Much happens in the space between. Where I end and you begin. Where day ends and night begins. Where we end and God begins. - Jocelyn A. Sideco
Many have had a strong experience of God where the line between heaven and earth seemed to fade away. With the thought of “thin places,” as this is sometimes called, on my mind and how beauty can create a space where we experience God in a more profound way, I came across a U.S. Catholic article about French philosopher, Simone Weil. In speaking about how she saw herself as unattractive but saw beauty around her, Evan Bernarz said, “We need to challenge the tendency to identify what is immediately attractive with beauty. What sort of beauty are we paying attention to when we scroll through our socials?”
“Weil challenges us to pay attention, because the depths of God’s beauty are usually obscured,” Bednarz continued. “at least at first glance—hidden in a tree, a song, an unexpected conversation, even in one’s own face. To see mystery and wonder in the world we have to train our vision to look with curiosity and patience.”
“Beauty is a fruit which we look at without trying to seize it.” The beautiful, according to Weil, Bednarz described, “resists our attempts to make it our own, as if beauty were something that could be manufactured or possessed. Beauty simply is and requires only a willingness to look and wait for it.” Paying attention to what is around us may not open up a thin space, but we will still be in awe of God, even in small things.
Showcasing SHA talent: This woodchuck thinning out the cherry trees by Madeline in 5th isn’t the thin space we meant but it is good orchard management.
God bless,
Mrs. Alhadef
Campus Minister
4th Grade Aide