“Gnomes, A ‘Semi-Serious’ Spiritual Reflection”
This is an article I wrote and published online last July 2025.
I have always been fascinated with mythology, natural metaphor, and symbolism wherever it may be found and often employ these in my teachings as a Christian minister. As a new member of the Church of Gnome, I was compelled to obtain my own Gnome. And as in Harry Potter lore, where “the wand chooses the wizard,” so this Gnome (see picture) chose me to be present in my garden, or in my case, my study. Here are some preliminary and suggestive thoughts (you might could add to them) on Gnomes in general and a “semi-spiritual” reflection based on my gnome.
Gnomes. Gnomes are often depicted working in gardens or forests, which symbolize their connection to nature and the earth. They are thought to be protectors of the natural world, and some even view them as earth spirits. Gnomes are often associated with whimsy, particularly in the context of gardens and folklore. They are frequently depicted as small, often elderly, figures with long beards and pointed hats, embodying a sense of playful magic, wisdom, and connection to nature.
A Spiritual Reflection
The Obscured Face. My little gnome/spiritual guide is walking by faith and not by sight. Here is a reminder that not all is seen in this life with mortal eyes. In fact, what is unseen is perhaps more real than what is seen (2 Cor. 4:16-18). It’s also worth noting that there is so much that is obscured in life, our knowledge is but a drop in the infinite sea of the universe. We hear but a “faint whisper” (Job 26:14). There is always more to explore, to learn, to marvel in, which prompts a spirit of humility and openness. This mystery of life does not frighten us, it intrigues us. We delight in the mystery of the universe because it causes us to continually look up, look out, and look in with wonder.
The Staff. The staff, presumably, made from a tree branch reminds us of the gifts that nature gives us, the gifts that help us along our life’s journey. In the Christian tradition, Jesus called himself “the Way,” meaning “path,” or “road” which reminds us that as we follow him, we are on a path of life and enlightenment. But this road is not always easy, there are twists and turns, valleys and mountains to traverse, and at times we lose our way. But even though we may stumble or not always know the way, we need not fear for we are never lost, God is with us. In the difficult times and the mountain climbs, we lean in on our staff and we trust the “Great Shepherd” of our souls who is leading us.
Lantern. Light is a universal religious symbol. It most frequently symbolizes purity as opposed to that which is defiled, truth or knowledge as opposed to error or ignorance, and divine revelation as opposed to concealment by God. We are called the “light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). As “children of light” (1 Thess. 5:5) we reflect the light of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and gentleness to all we encounter along life’s way. Let us be light in a world where so many people feel the darkness of despair or who have lost their way in the darkness.
Squirrel. The squirrel represents the animal kingdom and the harmony that exists between all of creation. “How many are your works, Lord! . . . the earth is full of your creatures” (Ps. 104:24). Genesis tells us that “God made the wild animals according to their kind . . . And God saw that it was good” (Gen. 1:25). The connection between Gnomes and the animals reminds us to be respectful of the creatures that are all around us and the precious disappearing habitat where they dwell.
Flowers. Flowers represent the simple pure unadorned beauty of creation. We recall the words of Jesus who said, “Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (Lk. 12:27). All around us, the flowers and the trees, the birds and the animals remind us of the beauty and amazing intricacy of creation and our connectedness to all living things. One of my favorite sayings from my favorite poet, Mary Oliver is her “Instructions for living a life.” “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
Whimsy. As we journey through life, our little friends, the Gnomes remind us not to take ourselves too seriously, to enjoy life, to see the humor in life, and to stay connected to creation. “I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy” (Jn. 15:11). Again, from Mary Oliver who writes about a time when she was a child and joyfully became lost as she was “slopping” along upstream in the stream’s coolness unbeknown to her parents who were downstream. She said her “heart opened and opened again” as she playfully journeyed. Such joy and life filled her, she exclaimed, “If this was lost, let us all be lost always.”
