“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1 ESV

Last week I went for a run early on Tuesday morning. I decided to take a route past a nearby farm, and I was blessed through the quiet and the warmth of the sun mixed with the coolness of the morning (somedays I can’t believe I’m fortunate to live down the road from such a place!). In fact, I backtracked to pause and take a picture (shown above, taken at 6:00 AM) because the moment seemed special, especially with “You Alone” playing through my headphones. 

Be Aware

I find myself constantly telling my students to be aware of what’s going on around them (usually in reference to me standing right in front of them and speaking to them). But how often to do I follow my own advice? Not often enough. Because when I do pause and look around me, I’m overwhelmed by creation. 

We know God made the nature we see around us (Genesis 1). Just think: God didn’t need to create a beautiful world, but He chose to. He chose to show us ever-changing sunsets (“Seeing Through the Trees”) and flowers that blossom each spring (“Already Near”). How cool is that!

Be Mindful

What are some ways to draw your attention to the beauty God created around you?

• Be still: A dear friend of mine sent me this picture of the “be still” moment she had with her family last week.
• Take pictures: Have you noticed that all of my post pictures are of nature? Hmm. . . 
• Remember: Let God’s creation bring Scriptures to mind, like today’s theme verse

Be Reflective

What does God’s creation say about our relationship with Him?

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:3-4 ESV

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!” Psalm 33:6-8 ESV

How will you be aware, be mindful, and be reflective this week?

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1 ESV