“Where are you God?”
Frustrated, fearful and despairing—bitter words we all know familiar—gush forth as they sneak into our souls. Our head tells us he is there. But in our core, we don’t feel his presence wrapped tight around us as we sink low in yet another dark valley of life.
God knew in his infinite wisdom, we have to trust in the unseen to develop a deep faith. But he doesn’t leave us hanging like a swing—swaying in the wind. He gave us the beauty of his world to envelop us. To remind us every day—HE IS NEAR.
For centuries men and women have reveled in and written about nature. It explodes around us with a divine order and the fingerprints of a creator. And it is here that he provides his presence in not so subtle ways. He whispers in the breeze, comforts us in the beauty of a garden and blazes glorious in the sunset.
He could have flung careless, the world into being—but instead he crafted each veined leaf and sculpted every luscious blossom with infinite care. He wanted to display his love for us in plain sight so we could see His presence surrounding us daily—with beauty untold.
To some, Rwanda and the Thousand hills surrounding it are not beautiful. But even in the hardscrabble areas of worn lives and bowed backs, our Lord paints his morning sky peach and lilac to bathe the dusty outer reaches in an ethereal beauty. As if he says, I have not forgotten you. And faithful to his promise, the flowers bloom wild and birds sing sweet as they walk, sometimes miles to the fresh water wells.
Though I find Rwanda lovely, as a spoiled American I view their village life as difficult and dim. I have so much more, but wrapped in daily demands, I am just as guilty of missing the beauty.
So a few years ago I made a pact with God.If he created this magnificence just for me, I will take a deep breath into the present and open my eyes to the splendor. I will make a conscious effort to drink in the rest and refreshment he offers my weary, time pressed soul. I will refuse to sink into the abyss of gloom in an uncertain world.
I don’t think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains.
Anne Frank
No one leaves this world unscathed. Our scars run deep. But it’s all about being present in the moment and framing it with optimism isn’t it?
We choose what we dwell on, the stinky hard parts of life, or the abundant gifts from God—every second of every day.
He begs us to do these three things:
- Slow the hustle-bustle—be present as you take your “busy” blinders off.
- Savor his gift—gaze on his display of profound beauty.
- Soak in the healing power—Allow the beauty of nature to nourish your weary soul.
The Lord is my protecter and because of his infinite care for me—he meets my needs—in ways I cannot fathom. Every. Last. One, be it spiritual or physical.
He created a world of unparalleled beauty just to refresh me. He calls me to bask quiet in the arms of nature. He calms my anxiety with the green abundance surrounding me. The babbling waters whisper unformed words of rest into my soul. He takes my hand in His and leads me along the narrow path toward his home.
When dark days haunt and my steps falter weak, I find the courage to press on because He clings tight to my hand. His presence comforts me and banishes my fear. He puts his arm around me and shows that I am precious and beloved to those who despise me.
My gratitude overflows like the banks of a stream after the abundant spring rains. And as the path of life winds crooked—my steps become sure because His goodness and love wraps me tight for my journey. In confidence I look to the hills above me and know secure—
I will dwell in your house oh Lord—Forever.
Psalm 23 ( in my own words)
Amen friend. Amen.
Thank you sweet friend! I sure do miss you and your witty ways!