Sunrises, sunsets, and rainbows

10Nov
For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
The Lord does whatever pleases him, in heaven and on earth;
in the seas and all the deeps. He brings up rain clouds from the
ends of the earth; he sends out lightning with the rain, and brings
the wind out of his storehouse.

-Psalm 135 v.5-7


This Psalm is full of descriptive praise to God. It describes an all-powerful God who does whatever pleases him. This power and supremacy as the Creator can also be seen in nature. 


Sometimes when I am stuck or doubting God’s presence or power, going outside into nature, taking a walk, or just getting some fresh air helps. When Jesus needed to pray, he often retreated into nature to be alone. Walking through Audubon or City Park among those magnificent live oak trees, I can be transported and transformed by the resiliency and strength of those mighty trees and the wonderful canopy of shade they provide. These trees, some several hundred years old, give me a sense of connectedness to something larger than myself. I am grateful for being alive and for being able to experience such beauty and abundance.


Sunrises, sunsets, and rainbows create the feeling that I am connected to something bigger and more powerful than myself and that I am not alone in God’s creation. When I see a rainbow, I get a sense that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, doing exactly whatever it is I am supposed to be doing at that very moment. It is a comforting, positive message and I feel more connected to God and the universe.

 Richrd Rohr said, “Every day we have an opportunity to reconnect with God through an encounter with nature.” Being in nature, in God’s creation, can be a healing place. It can provide a sense of interconnectedness, increase positive emotions, and reduce stress. Do you have a special or unique nature experience? 


Musical Reflection  - What a Wonderful Word - Louis Armstrong


Loving God and Creator, thank you for the grandeur and majesty of your magnificent creation where we can find peace, serenity, and healing. We only need to be awake and aware to experience the beauty around us; to the diversity, the complexity, and the simplicity of nature. Help us stay connected to you and your grace and love so that we can be instruments of such love. In your Son’s name we pray. Amen.

Psalms

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