"Ah! Those who call evil good, and good evil, who change darkness to light, and light into darkness, who change bitter to sweet, and sweet into bitter!" - Isaiah 5:20 

The leaf looked rather absurd. Kind of like a Phantom of the Opera mask or good versus evil rendering. Funny how nature can make such a distinct line between good and bad, without even a whisker of a curve in the line or the slightest bit of a crossover. 

Sadly, we can't be that well-defined. As much as we try to be black and white, there's always a little gray in the mix. 

Perhaps it's all in the way we perceive things. Do you look at the evil and see good? Do you look at the good and see evil? 

Do you look at this leaf and call it good? With a little pampering, water and fertilizer, do you think you could bring it back to life? 

Or do you look at this leaf and call it bad? Are you looking for the shears to prune this leaf because it is unsightly and could possibly infect other parts of the plant? 

Or do you look at this leaf and think that with some pampering, water, fertilizer, and pruning, you could nurture new growth from it? 

Gracious Gardener, challenge me to recognize good and evil, to separate the good from the evil, and to foster the worthiness of all. Amen. 

TAGS: Inspiration, Prayer

Most merciful Jesus, 
I turn to You in my need. 
You are worthy of my complete trust. 
You are faithful in all things. 
When my life is filled with confusion, give me clarity and faith. 
When I am tempted to despair, fill my soul with hope. 
 
Most merciful Jesus, 
I trust You in all things. 
I trust in Your perfect plan for my life. 
I trust You when I cannot comprehend Your divine Will. 
I trust You when all feels lost. 
Jesus, I trust You more than I trust myself. 
 
Most merciful Jesus, 
You are all-knowing. 
Nothing is beyond Your sight. 
You are all-loving. 
Nothing in my life is beyond Your concern. 
You are all-powerful. 
Nothing is beyond Your grace. 
 
Most merciful Jesus, 
I trust in You, 
I trust in You, 
I trust in You. 
May I trust You always and in all things. 
May I daily surrender to Your Divine Mercy. 
 
Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, 
Pray for us as we turn to you in our need. 

TAGS: Reflection