The Lord has been reminding me that it’s not only okay to take time in rest with Him, it is necessary.  Honestly, this is important for each of us, as our lives are growing increasingly busy and distracting. It can be tempting at times to skip mass or prayer because of the daily pressures of the world telling us we must constantly be in “go-mode” and performing at our highest. Sometimes I fall prey to these lies, myself, and the Lord gently but firmly pulls me back to the truth. It is in the calm that the Lord speaks to us. In 1 Kings 19:12, it says, that the Lord spoke not in the fire, the earthquake or the great wind, but rather God appeared in,  “a gentle whisper”. When we are busy in the race, we miss the quiet moments in which God is trying to reach us. When we stop to listen, we find that God has been there waiting to speak with us.

 

 

I, too,  am constantly being stopped in my tracks by this reminder as I go about my days. Recently, I attended a stunning, sad, but beautiful, funeral of a friend’s father who passed too young. It was clear to see that his life spoke volumes of God’s love to so many around him. As his family and friends shared memories about him, a quote really struck me that was given as an honor to his life. They said, “Nothing else remains, only our work for souls”. This “work” is done through prayer, thanksgiving, worship, and by sharing the joy of the faith. This work for souls can only happen through a true personal ENCOUNTER with our Lord, daily. This work can only be completed when we set down our earthly tasks and distractions in favor of our divine occupation. This is a mindset that he lived everyday and made a priority in his life, and I am grateful to have also come across this lesson through the beautiful memory of his life and love.

 

 

As a Sacred Art painter, this is all an important part of what I do because my work is not about me. It is about God’s story and His deep love for all of us. Any of us called to do work for the Church experience this every day. We are called to service for a Divine purpose. Though we may not always see or realize the fruits of our labor here on earth, know that we are planting the seeds for an eternal future with the Lord. It is a part of my mission, and the mission of so many others, to inspire and call others into this future as well.

 

We cannot let the world steal this precious time from us by falling prey to our busy lives or false gods. We must choose moments to exist in communion with True Beauty Himself, Our Divine Creator.  This is where our hope, our inspiration, our strength and so much more will come from. We can find this time in daily mass, in scripture, in nature, and by praying with art, journaling, etc. As long as we have a listening ear, a focused mind, a quiet heart, and a humble disposition, we will receive from Christ’s heart. From this place, Lord, help me always to create and from nowhere else. Help me to find calm with you.

 

 

Raise your hand if you struggle with this at times too or tell me ways you’re learning it!

 

Kate Capato is an adventurous creative who seeks all things beautiful. She married a dreamy music man, and often travels and serves in mission sharing God’s love through her artistic creations of Sacred Art, Dance, and Photography. When she is not creating or traveling, Kate loves spending time with friends and family while drinking a good glass of wine and consuming extra dark chocolate. To see her work, visit her portfolio below and share in this mission of spreading truth and goodness.