Daily Meditation for November 28, 2025

A squirrel sitting on the sidewalk was eyeing a black walnut. It had to choose between abandoning this treasure or allowing a frightening human to get closer. The squirrel darted toward what it had discovered, and then backed away. The squirrel’s dilemma brings to mind how we, too, search for the gifts God offers, and then we get scared as God draws us closer. A dynamic occurs which makes us question if it’s safe to continue approaching God. It seems easier to back away. Taking refuge in distance feels more safe. However, our desire does not diminish. We are caught in a dance between our desire for God and our fear of allowing God to love us more intimately. Which will we choose today — safe distance, or the risk of fully loving God and being loved in return?

By Julianne Gilbert, OSB