Spirituality in Nature

Day fifty-seven

I woke this morning looking forward to a day with my family.  We didn't have anything special planned, just errands, chores, pictures, haircuts, and homework, but sometimes these turn out to be the best days.  So I prayed for today to be simple, but good, and filled with lots of good opportunities.  And it turned out to be just that!

I read and studied Abraham 4-5 this morning, which is about the Creation, but didn't have the time to write my blog before we had to leave.  That turned out to be a great blessing, because I found my inspiration for my blog while we were running around taking pictures for the boy's band.  We wanted several locations for the photos, so we jumped in the car and drove around looking for just the right spots.  As we found our spots I couldn't help but have a few thoughts about what God has created for us.  This is what came to my mind:

If the creations are this incredible, what must the Creator be like? He reveals things about himself, just like an artist reveals things about himself in his work of art.  His attention to detail is impeccable, His eye for beauty is perfect, and His desire to care for His creations every need shows his nurturing side.  The earth is filled with God's glory, it reflects His majesty.

 I really like the quote:  "The world around us is a window through which you can glimpse the majesty of God." ~Unknown

Today I had the opportunity to look around and listen, without too many distractions, and to hear God speak through his works.  It was quite awesome. 

It is easy to see why Jesus did a lot of his teaching outside among the things he created. It makes perfect sense that some of his deepest teachings, like those found in the Sermon on the Mount, took place outside in nature.  Can you picture him sitting on the mount, totally comfortable among his creations, so much so, that he uses them to illustrate spiritual applications?  He is surrounded by object lessons! A perfect example of this is in Matthew 6:25-31, when he is teaching His followers that they should "stop worrying".  He does so  by using the examples of the flowers and the birds. 

The psalmist, David, understood how nature testifies of God.  He states in Psalm 19:1:  "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."  All it takes to believe there is a God is to look up!

The other thought that came to me was that his most amazing creation, the crowning work of the natural order, the pinnacle of God's work, is man!

We are made in the image of God.  Our minds, our creativity, our ability to love and to reason, all are expressions of God's image in us.  Two good quotes:

"You are a mirror reflecting God's majesty for all the earth to see." ~ Unknown

"The God who created, names, and numbers the stars in the heavens, also numbers the hairs on my head...He pays attention to the very big things and to very small ones.  What matters most to me matters to Him, and that changes my life."  Elisabeth Elliot

What started out as another story of the Creation in Abraham this morning, led to some really cool experiences today.  I have always loved nature and felt closer to God when I am among His creations, but today it was very sweet to have an increased appreciation for the world and for the Lord and share it with my family.  I wish all the lessons we need to learn in this life were as enjoyable!