My Aunt and Uncle were up this weekend and they are so great, just always admiring the beauty in the world no matter where it is. They're originally from Michigan but they've lived in Florida for a few years now, so going from palm trees to oak and pine trees was very different. Even seeing squirrels was exciting for them. It just really made me realize how little I truly value my surroundings. I've become numb to their effects and where I used to squeal with delight at the sight of a deer now I just pass them by as simple scenery.
Last summer I worked at Camp Barakel, which is set back in the woods and I enjoyed the area and all of the animals. I'm in a similar setting here at home, but I've lost the appreciation, it doesn't feel like it did there. It really is a place where God has blessed, but there's no reason why I can't admire God's creation everywhere.
When I think of nature in the Bible I automatically jump to Psalms 19.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
While my aunt and uncle were here we walked down the beach and then climbed back up the hill to watch the sunset. On our walk back up the sun had already changed to orange and its light was showing up brilliantly on the trees in the coolest patterns. It was amazing, nothing like it, and then getting all the way up to see the sun set was just as brilliant. But I still felt like it was just typical, the sun has set thousands of times before and it's going to keep doing so. The hard part for me is appreciating it and to come to the realization that the sun never sets in quite the same manner. I need to come to the state of mind where I view everything as the work of God's hands, as his masterpiece. Because God has placed them in a perfect, and brilliant manner!
I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything, but I'm gonna try and get back on track. maybe...
