Seeing the beauty in everything.
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
There are people who always see the ugliness of each situation, and perhaps also in the people they meet. And then there are those who see goodness and beauty. I would like to talk about this for a bit. People who love God, generally see others as good. Those who do not love God (sinners), might not see the beauty in others. I’ve met lots of people from all walks of life. Many of them were ‘complainers,’ they had something negative to say about people they met, even the average person on the street. I have worked in New York City (lived, in one of the boroughs) in my teenage years and the years that followed. My teenage years and early work-life was there. I worked in the financial district for 10 years; followed by a long time in the airline/travel industry. Altogether, about 30 years. When I left New York. Next came 3 years in Miami, FL, and then moved to Vero Beach. I wasn’t eager to move to Florida (weather/hurricanes) but the move was job-related, and I never left. I feel very much at home here. Of course, in the meantime I’m retired, and I’ve been a Secular Franciscan for 32 years and counting. That has undoubtedly influenced my views on how I see others, or different situations.
When I was in religious life, I began writing spiritual reflections, and I am still doing so. Just a handful a month now. The ideas come slower, partly because the older I get, the more forgetful I become. “As the Father sees in every person the features of his Son, the firstborn of many brothers and sisters, so the Secular Franciscans with a gentle and courteous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and an image of Christ.” (From Rule 13 of the Secular Franciscan Order) That gives one a lot of food for thought, doesn’t it? Can we accept our brothers and sisters with a courteous spirit as a gift of God? If you aren’t sure, pray about it, and do better. I admit it, sometimes I have less then charitable views of other people, but I keep trying to overcome those negative thoughts. People who read this who aren’t Franciscans, how do you view others? Is there room for improvement?
In dealing with others, try to see the beauty in everything and everybody. You'll become a happier person.
Peace and all Good,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
April 9, 2026