Lent reminds me of two things: tiny flowers that grow between rocks and my trip to the Holy Land… one entire month walking in the footprints of the Old and New Testament.

I remember spending the night in the desert, having a modest meal prepared over an open fire, and simply marveling at the desolation around us, covered by the twinkling stars above; it was breathtaking.

When morning came, we stood among the rock formations for meditation and Morning Prayer. And then I saw it. A beautiful yellow flower was in the middle of a solid rock! How could this be? No dirt, no water, but the presence of something that could only be created by God Himself, a simple reminder of His Presence.

In today’s world, so filled with hate and war, our God will always remind us that He is present among us. Remember: the presence of God with his people is most real when He appears to be absent! Look around. Be reminded of the little blessings that occur every day, like tiny flowers that seem to come from nothing.

If you’ve been away from your place of worship, make a point of returning now; don’t wait another week. Relive the ancient stories that are so precious to our faith. Walk with Jesus as we once again remember His unconditional love for us. Our ancestors knew God, yet none of them knew Jesus. But you do! Renew your faith this Lent and thank Him for his many “tiny” miracles.

About the author: Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.