I try to stop by Holy Martyrs Church each weekday to say my morning prayers, whenever possible, first thing in the morning. I do this before I head to Our Lady of Consolation Church for the 8:00am Mass.

It is usually dark outside when I arrive, and as the sun begins to rise, I leave. Oftentimes, just before I am about to leave, I can see deer in the field to the south of the Church, presumably arriving from the forest to eat whatever they can find in the field.

I always enjoy watching the deer as I am finishing my prayers.

Today, I thought how hard it must be for the deer lately, considering the growing subdivisions surrounding them and with the noise and traffic in the area. I thought about the fact that it is by the grace of God they have found a way to adapt and survive in such a busy area, year after year.

Sometimes, I wonder how we survive with all the challenges found in daily life, especially the random violence. I am absolutely convinced that it is by the grace of our loving God watching over us and helping us as we ask in our prayers.

In my Diaconate training, I learned about a teaching from a German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He taught that the world is imbued in God’s grace. It is everywhere. We need to recognize that grace and embrace in all of God’s creation.

I see that grace in the ability the deer possess to survive in unusual environments.

May we all recognize that grace in our lives. 

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek