Being the Beloved:
stories of experiencing God in daily life
By Lisa Alteio, Spiritual Director
Earlier this month, I was walking my dog, Oski, when I noticed some white fuzz stuck to his black fur. I bent down to try to remove the fluffy, cloud-like seeds of a dandelion. Looking around, I could see them covering the ground where Oski had just been playing and exploring. Not having much luck removing them, and since they didn’t seem to be bothering him, we continued our walk.
As we walked, I kept looking at those little white seeds and began thinking about all the places Oski was scattering them as he went about his way, sniffing every plant and patch of grass he passed. Oski, being true to his God-given nature, excitedly covered as much ground as possible, carrying and spreading those tiny seeds that held the possibility of life and beauty all along his path that afternoon.
Being with Oski and watching him filled my heart with joy. I delighted in his enjoyment of his surroundings and in seeing him simply being whom God designed him to be. And in that moment, I heard God whisper to me:
“This is how I feel about you, Lisa. It brings me joy seeing you be you and spreading life and beauty as you move through the world.”
As I let those words wash over me, I slowed down to savor the experience of God enjoying being with me. I sensed an invitation to live more fully as me. To trust that the way God made me, and the things that bring me alive, are part of this invitation to join him in bringing his kingdom into the world.
I notice dandelions almost daily on my walks now. They kindle my desire to live fully as me, the me God intentionally created as he knit me together in my mother’s womb. They help me stay in touch with my longing to spread seeds of life and beauty in the world, trusting God with where they land and what might grow.
And they remind me that God made me, loves me, and enjoys being with me.
I leave you with this poem from Gerard Manley Hopkins. I pray it blesses and encourages you to live fully as God made you and to experience his delight in you!
As Kingfishers Catch Fire*
As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame;
As tumbled over rim in roundy wells
Stones ring; like each tucked string tells, each hung bell's
Bow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;
Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:
Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;
Selves — goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,
Crying What I do is me: for that I came.
I say more: the just man justices;
Keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces;
Acts in God's eye what in God's eye he is —
Christ — for Christ plays in ten thousand places,
Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his
To the Father through the features of men's faces.
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*Source: Gerard Manley Hopkins: Poems and Prose (Penguin Classics, 1985)
Author Bio: Lisa received her certification in Spiritual Direction through CFDM in 2014. She previously served on CFDM’s Board of Directors. Lisa teaches in the direction program sharing her passion for the arts as well as contemplative and embodied spirituality. Lisa lives on Mercer Island in Washington State with her husband, John, and their dog, Oski. Her twin daughters, Katie and Sarah are seniors in college in California. She loves learning, reading, and boating on Lake Washington.
What are your responses to these reflection questions? Post in the comments below or hop on over to our Facebook page and share with one another.
CFDM-NW offers online Listening Groups, and monthly Mini Retreats. See below for more information!
Online Mini Retreat:
November 14, 2026, 10a-12p PT
Seeking Jesus with Our Imagination - Imaginative Prayer
Presenter: Dan Heavenor
How many times have you wondered what it would have been like to walk the roads of Galilee with Jesus, listening to him teach, watching him heal, and spending time with him as a friend? Our imagination is a beautiful gift, created by God, to help us encounter Jesus in the stories of the Gospels, offering our attention and our hearts as we watch him, listen to him, and follow him. This imaginative prayer workshop offers an invitation to “seek his face” in prayer and encounter Jesus in fresh ways
