October 28, 2025 // Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Psalm: Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5
Reflect on the Word //
My garden is currently presenting a long farewell until next year. Our roses—white and baby pink— just recently put out their last blooms. The white snowball hydrangeas have greened over the last few months, becoming dry and still. And the front yard is full of colorful, crunchy leaves. So much of it reminds me that its beauty is worth the wait of what's to come in the future winter season. It also encourages me to enjoy this aged beauty—this beauty that's been through the heat, that's past its peak, and that's changed.
God’s creation is a place where we can learn about our Creator. The Psalmist writes, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:2). Each season in nature so clearly has a purpose, and declares God’s glory. Seasons of preparing, seasons of bearing. Sowing and reaping fruit. While it may not feel as black and white in our own lives, I imagine the Lord wants us to feel similarly about the seasons we find ourselves in—confident that there is a purpose for the present moment, and hopeful about what's to come.
So much about gardening and planting is uncertain, but I can tell you from experience that when you plant something, even if you don't feel like it, it's like you're planting a seed of hope in your own heart. You can't help but hope when you plant!
I wonder what the Lord wants you to plant this season. I wonder what part of the garden of your heart He plans to tend to today. I wonder what He plans to bring fruit from next year. In any case, look around with me today and see His glory in what's been, and in what's changed. And have hope for what’s to come.
Relate to the Lord // Look around: Where can you see God’s glory in your life? What hope do you have for the next season? Share it with Him.
Annie Deddens is a writer and producer. She runs a prayer ministry with her husband, called Pray More Novenas. She has a heart for the sick & suffering, and she writes about living with greater faith (hope & love, too) in this imperfect world as a Catholic wife on her blog, Catholic Wife, Catholic Life. Find out more about her here.
Be a Woman of the Word
