A Matter of Perspective

St. Francis of Assisi's popularity knows not the boundaries of denominations or faiths.  His is a universal appeal due to his simplicity and closeness to all of creation.  His love of nature, of animals, and people resonates with all.  It's amazing how the once "worldly" young man, aspiring to be a great knight, a man who embraced heartily good food, clothing, wine and women would come to channel these passionate pursuits with a great passionate love of God, humanity and all creation.  How his perspective changed once he saw the shallowness of his earlier pusuits, and how he has touched the hearts of generations who have had similar longings for over 800 years.  Yes, there are many THINGS in  our lives about which we can say with Francis, "What good will they do? They won't save your souls.  Throw them all out!"  Rather, in his words, "Let us refer all good to the Lord, God almighty and Most High, acknowledge that every good is his, and thank him from 'from whom all good comes fo everyting.' May he, the Almighty and Most High, the only God, have, be given, and receive all honor and respect,  all praise and blessing, all thanks and glory, to whom all good belongs, he who alone is good."
Bro. Rene