God’s Splendor
The first day of our vacation, we drove up to the north western corner of the island. The place is called Pololu Valley. It is a beautiful vista and as I recall from previous visits, there was a story about how long it would take a runner to convey a message from this point to the valley on the other side of the mountain but I digress.
As we were driving there and we were climbing elevation, all I could think of was how magnificent God’s creation is. I’ve heard similar comments from myself and others where they’d see a sunrise or double rainbow and be amazed. But then I started wondering why I don’t have that level of amazement and wonder every day when I wake up and everywhere I go?
Many years ago, I was showing a consultant from Atlanta, Georgia around Topeka. It was about mid-Spring. Anyway, I remember him commenting how green it is here. It seems like, as humans, we are more cognizant of our surroundings in a new area than our home areas. Why is that?
When I stop and look, and I mean really look and think about almost anything not man made, I am amazed and astounded.
“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. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” - Psalm 19:1-11 ESV
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” - 1 Timothy 4:4-5
One of the things I came home from vacation with was a intention to look with fresh eyes my surroundings to see God’s majesty everywhere. Maybe the more I look for God’s handiwork, the more I’ll see it.
