How great is the art of God’s creation

It’s simple things, like a glowing sunset, the sound of a running stream, or the fresh smell in a meadow that cause us to pause and marvel at the wonder of life, to contemplate its meaning and significance. Who can hold an autumn leaf in their hand, or sift the warm white sand on the beach, and not wonder at the Creator of it all.

-- UNKNOWN

“I love the fall; I love the crisp mornings and the excuse to have a fire in the fireplace on the cooler nights,� a friend said to me recently. “And I especially love it when the leaves change color. It’s so creative of God.�

I told my friend that I agreed with her, and that I had been to places lately where the leaves had already changed colors, and that I looked forward to seeing far more of the deep reds and oranges. My friend and I talked longer about some of the other powerful displays of God’s creativity.

I told her about my recent trip to Wyoming, and how there was something beautiful in every direction I looked, from the scenic Snake River to the majestic Grand Tetons. I had the privilege of enjoying so many different sights with friends while we rode on horses. We went through fields where we watched the aspen leaves dance delicately in the cool mountain breeze, and at other times, we rode under pine trees that stood proudly. I loved seeing the bison and elk, but was especially mesmerized by the sight of two bald eagles sitting in trees by a stream. We all watched silently as they surveyed the land around them, and then one took off gracefully, his powerful wings lifting him up and away.

I told my friend that not only were my friends and I in awe of the scenery and wildlife around us, but our wrangler was too, and we sang several different hymns while out on the range. It was as if we had no choice but to sing out to God about his handiwork. One of the songs captured our feelings with these words:

“O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder

“Consider all the worlds thy hands have made,

“I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunder,

“Thy power throughout the universe displayed;

“Then sings my soul, my savior, God, to thee:

“How great thou art! How great thou art!

“Then sings my soul, my savior God, to thee;

“How great thou art! How great thou art!�

My friend liked the idea of singing while on horseback. She also said that we are so fortunate to see God’s creative touches in little ways, every day.

“Yes, we can be reminded of God’s majesty when we gaze at mighty mountain ranges or the powerful ocean, but I love that we don’t have to travel far to experience God’s creativity,� she said. She was right.

The next day I noticed that our gardenia plant had two small buds and one blossom that was nearly open. It was quite small, but already its smell was far more fragrant than anything I could buy.

Yes, even the simple things point to a wonderful creator.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at [email protected] or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive, Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

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