We’ve all heard the urge for us to stop and smell the roses, to take time out of our overloaded schedules to see the beauty around us. I concur whole-heartedly with the importance of pausing to do that, but do I recognize the full story behind all that I see? I had to get to work by 6am to fill in for a co-worker a couple weeks ago. As I made my way in the early dark just before dawn, I noticed a perfect half moon hanging over the building. A few more steps and the building would have obscured the view.
What a pleasure to see that moon shining at me, knowing its light would be replaced by the soon-rising sun. I walk under God’s skyscapes daily. I’m struck by the whisper of His breezes. I’m surrounded by His creation and construction. In the city or in the mountains, it’s all God’s doing. It’s all to His glory. It’s all His. I just get to enjoy the view, if I check my step and look up.
King Solomon tells me in Eccl 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”(NIV)
When was the last time you stopped long enough to smell the roses? Did you give God thanks for what you experienced?
Paul says the proof of God is all around us. “For, since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 (NIV)
Under Beauty
I walk under this sky daily
Moving from place to place
Never noticing the way
The air around me
Plays against my face
Touching me, brushing me
Rushing me to where I’m going
I do my daily tasks
Using my busyness to mask
The need for me to know you
I move beneath your Glory
Here to there not wholly
Grasping the whispered story
Heaven’s beauty sings for me
Touching me, brushing me
Rushing me to where I’m going
I stop just long enough
To sense a love
So powerful it draws out
The need for me to know you
I pause to watch the heavenly gates
Open to expose your face
Too radiant for me to take
My eyes close but a blink
To think that I may know you
The rays come down
Your love flows down
I blinked and I think I
Missed it—Did I miss it?
Touching me, brushing me
Rushing me to where I need to be
I kneel to seek your faithfulness
And witness how your falling grace
Invites me to come know you
Touching me, brushing me
Guiding me to where I long to be
And finally I know you
My Heavenly Father, you are Creator and owner of all I see. You hung the black velvet that is the night sky. You sprinkled it with the glittering stars and planets. You ignited the sun that warms my face and kisses my shoulders. Thank you for your creation. Thank you for making it robust and beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us. Father, may I be more aware of what you have to show me. May I be more appreciative of what you place in front of me. May I always give you the honor and glory for your mighty works. I praise you in the name above all names, Jesus, your only Son, according to your good and perfect will. Amen.