Celebrating the Good Gifts of Creation…
Let all creation rejoice before the Lord…
~Psalm 96:13
What speaks to your spirit?
What nurtures your soul?
Those may sound like odd questions, but I’ve learned personally and through observation that people connect with God differently. Makes sense to me because God’s designs—including people—are unique.
Nature often speaks to the deeper part of me.
Walking barefoot on a sandy beach. The sound of ocean waves. Meandering along a forest path. Marveling at the haphazard beauty of a field of wildflowers. All bring a sense of deep peace.
Cuddling, while inhaling the dewy scent of a newborn baby. Hearing the giggles of little kids romping in play. Children bring a sense of joy to my soul.
A scene my husband captured recently while on a photo excursion to the Springtime Palouse spoke to me in a different way. A portion of our morning reading from Psalms undoubtedly reinforced some of the thoughts this photo elicited.
Even though I don’t know a whole lot about farming, I know it involves not only lots and lots of hard work on the part of the farmer, but it also depends on growing conditions nature provides. The psalmist grasped God’s goodness for an abundant harvest.
You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain…You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. (Psalm 69:9-10)
God supplies not only the necessities for producing a good crop but packages the practical so beautifully! The wonder of God’s creation often takes my breath away. When I saw Ron’s photograph of this Palouse farmland, my thoughts went not only to a potential crop, but I was reminded me of magnificent jewelry.
Exquisite Emeralds.
Brilliant Sapphires.
Milky Pearls.
Tranquil Amethyst.
Bands of Gold.
Even a tiny Ruby (red barn.)
In whatever way your spirit hears and your soul is nurtured, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to express your gratitude to the God of Creation.
