The gifts of being fully present and engaged:
#1 We get to enjoy Our Creator through His creation:
In the year 2010, if I remember correctly, the Lord prompted me to ride my bike to work every day. Difficult home and work circumstances left me breathless and nearly crippled with anxiety on a daily basis.
I needed to slow down, breathe, and take time to look for God’s blessings.
My awareness began within my body. I forced myself to pay attention to my heart beating, lungs expanding and contracting, and muscles flexing. I thanked God for giving me a healthy body, able to perform the task of riding a bike.
From there my vision expanded beyond myself to the path I rode. Beautiful purple wildflowers lined the edges like bouquets just for me. As the breeze, whether brisk or balmy, caressed my face, I was awakened with gratitude for the mere experience.
This time in my life was beautiful and life-changing, but it didn’t last.
Slowly, I became distant and preoccupied again. Days flew by with few moments of truly experiencing and enjoying my Creator through His creation.
My husband, Robert, is the best at this. His phone is packed with hundreds of pictures of Mt. Princeton. Sunrises. Sunsets. Fall colors. Snow-capped peaks. He will stand at our full-length glass doors in complete awe, watching the mountains change and transform. Without fail, he invites me over to look and experience the beauty with him ... because I'm usually too absent-minded to notice.
Romans 1:20 tells us, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse."
What a gift God has given us in His creation! Through it we can understand His attributes, eternal power, and divine nature.
God, You are stronger than the mighty pull of a rushing river. Your beauty far outshines the most breathtaking sunrise. You are more majestic than the eagle soaring to unreachable heights. And more faithful than the bunny who scampers in the yard to eat my poppies!
Our to-do lists may be full as we anticipate the arrival of guests and prepare our feasts for the upcoming holidays, but let's promise each other we will find moments to stop, look up, look out, and maybe even step out into creation to enjoy Our Creator.
