God's Beautiful World

Be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create 

(Isaiah 65:18)

How long has it been since you strolled through a flower garden?  Or sat on a riverbank and watched dragonflies skimming above the water?  When did you last stop to listen to a bird singing outside your window?  Or watch a squirrel feasting on acorns from an oak tree?

All around us is the beauty of God’s creation but too often we hurry past with blinded eyes and diverted attention.  We become so preoccupied with the business of living that we fail to enjoy and appreciate the multi-colored, multi-faceted wonders around us.  Though we may not live near a lush forest or a botanical garden, the wonders of God’s creation are none-the-less available to most of us in one form or another.

Gazing out my window, I count more than 20 varieties of shrubs and trees in almost as many shades of yellow and green.  Some are blossoming while others are already bearing fruit.  Beds of flowers bloom in yellow, white, red, pink and purple.  Most are in our neighbors’ yards, but are free for our viewing pleasure.

Earlier today I was serenaded by a choir of songbirds, backed by the cooing voice of a mourning dove.  Two squirrels played chase in and around one of our trees, and a few days earlier we discovered a baby rabbit under a bush.  Rain is softly falling this morning, cleansing the air, watering the earth.  Plants are holding their heads a little more erect and sporting a deeper hue.

How much more enjoyable our journey through life will be if we slow down long enough to fully appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.  When we do, let’s remember to lift grateful hearts to the Creator by Whose design and power it all exists.

Lord, You had no obligation to make the sky so blue, 
or grass and trees and flowers in every shape and hue.
You didn’t have to make the rainbow with its promises divine,
Nor the tasty things for us to eat that grow on trees and vines.
No one said it was Your duty to make the stars and moon,
or the warming, healing, welcome sun that shines on high at noon.
It was love that made You do it -- to create a world so fair -- 
and give us eyes that we might see Your beauty everywhere.
The wonders of Your nature that so abundant grow,
are intended for our pleasure, and Your deity to show.
For the power of mighty wind that pushes clouds across the sky,
is like the way You work in us, unseen by human eye.
The many textures, shapes and forms created by Your hand,
point us to Your myriad self, and the wonders of Your plan.
In the flashing of the lightning, and majestic thunder’s roll,
we’re reminded of Your power and Your ultimate control.
Help us take a moment often as we hurry on our way,
to gaze on Your creation, and in gratitude to pray.
We can feel renewed in spirit, and refreshed in soul and mind,
when we’re grateful for the beauty that around us we will find.