Finding peace for winter, spring, summer, fall

For the past few months, about once a week, I have been returning to my old childhood home, where my parents still reside, to assist them in the annual summer yard activities of cutting the myriad blades of grass on their property, and watering the geraniums, petunias and sage that beautifully bring life to the front and side of their house.

This past weekend, noticing the increasing number of fallen oak leaves that have now created a brown, red and green canvas on their lawn, my thoughts turned to the recent start of this fall season and, eventually, winter.

This weekend, cutting the grass, I thought. Next month, raking the leaves. Then a month or so after that, shoveling snow. Then, we’re into 2017.

Sometimes — OK, a lot of the time — I think ahead to the future. I need to get my goddaughter a gift for her November birthday. I should probably visit my ailing grandmother next weekend. I need to reserve time off for my annual summer vacation next year. I should probably buy three more pineapple greek yogurts, because I only have two in the fridge for my work lunch this week.

Indeed, some of these thoughts are good to look forward to, and celebrate. But when such thoughts like raking the leaves or shoveling snow invade my head, and I start to worry too much about whether the leaf blower has another season in it, or whether it is too late to get an inexpensive snowblower, I know they are coming at the expense of the present moment and robbing me of enjoying and appreciating whatever graces God has for me today.

I’ve heard the saying, “Do what you can, and leave the rest in the hands of God.” Sometimes, though, the noises of the tasks of the next days, weeks and months in my head drown out the peace God has offered me.

Luckily, in finally making my way through the Gospel of Matthew, I found answers in the words of Jesus:

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day” (6:34).

The Son of God, first to his Apostles and now to us, instructs his followers to keep their attention on the present moment, and leave our future in his hands. The previous Gospel verse is even more enlightening: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (6:33).

Just as Peter could walk on water, with his eyes fixed on Jesus, so all things are possible for those who keep their gaze heavenward.

With confidence in the truth of the Gospel, and joy in what I know is at the end of this road, I will gladly keep cutting, raking and shoveling for as many seasons as I can.

As Saint Teresa of Avila has said: “Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”

Peter G. Sánchez is a Catholic Star Herald staff writer.