AND SO IT BEGINS

 

 May 17, 2024

AND SO IT BEGINS

Summer is here. I know that officially on the calendar June 20th is summer's start. But lets be honest, on the street, the May long weekend really kicks things off. I know this because I received notice that the City of Windsor, will open up the splashpads across the city this weekend, several people I have talked to in our neighborhood are heading for a campground, or an AirBNB out of the city or county to visit family or hang with friends.

I mention all this simply to remind us that we are entering that season where we spend more time outside, and therefore we are in the perfect location to be overwhelmed by God’s presence in the blessing of creation. 

Throughout the Bible the context for experiencing God’s overwhelming presence is not inside a temple or synagogue but out in the created world of night time starlit skies, slow sun set and sunrises, beautiful lakes, rivers, or falls, hills and valleys, nature walks and hikes, campfires and family. These and more reflect and reveal God’s blessings and care for each of us. So, today let us be reminded to stop whatever activities we are doing this weekend and take in God’s wonderful gift.

In Nehemiah 9:6 we read, “You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.”

Job 12:7-10 says, “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all humankind.”

I wonder, if we are allowing God to teach us through his creation? Are we taking in the unspeakable mystery and majesty found in the work of God’s hands? Or are we taking these for granted and merely passing by these beautiful, sights that remind us that God is Good?

Do you recall what Psalm 19:1-4 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” Here we are reminded that God is always speaking to us. Every piece of creation declares the depth of God’s love, power, faithfulness, and nearness. Will we stop and listen? Will we find time and make space to open the eyes of our hearts to receive the beauty, creativity, and love displayed before us by our loving Creator?

I discovered that to seek God without taking notice of his creation is to miss out on one of the most tangible and beautiful ways he speaks to us. May we spend time this season looking at and reflecting on the work of God’s hands. Truth is the People of God across thousands of years have used creation to learn about their Creator. We experience eye-opening revelation from God through his creation. May we be worshippers who seek God through every avenue available to us. May we be believers who have the faith and patience to learn about our heavenly Father as revealed by the work of his hands.

Have a blessed long weekend!!