THEOLOGY OF A HAZELNUT

And in this he showed me a little thing, the quantity of a hazel nut, lying in the palm of my hand, as it seemed. And it was as round as any ball. I looked upon it with the eye of my understanding, and thought, ‘What may this be?’ And it was answered generally thus, ‘It is all that is made.’ I marveled how it might last, for I thought it might suddenly have fallen to nothing for littleness. And I was answered in my understanding: It lasts and ever shall, for God loves it. And so have all things their beginning by the love of God.

In this little thing I saw three properties. The first is that God made it. The second that God loves it. And the third, that God keeps it. ~Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love

This is a such a simple reflection but so eye opening. Sometimes it is in the smallest of things that we find God. Julian is reflecting on a hazel nut. There have been millions and millions of hazelnuts since the beginning of time. We probably walk past similar items all day long: acorns, blades of grass, clouds passing by. We often don’t give them a thought because they surround us every day in abundance. If we pause and hold these little things up, we see more and more the power of God and God’s love in our world.

Her conclusion is the most beautiful. First and foremost, God made each of us just the way that we are. The lines on your face, your laugh, the way you hold your head. Second, God loves us for just who we are. God doesn’t love us for a future or past image of perfection or on a good day, but just as we are—flaws and all. And, lastly, God chooses to hold on to us. No matter where we go, what we do, or how much time passes, God loves us and keeps us forever and ever. From a simple nut, thanks to Julian of Norwich, we can be reminded the awesome power of God.

Prayer

God of all time and space, you have created each of us in your image, for we are beautifully and wonderfully made. In you, we find acceptance, love, and a home where we are understood and valued. Thank you for creating us, loving us, and holding us close. Now and forever. In Jesus Name, Amen.