The world is on fire. And flooding. And fighting Covid. And fighting extremism. It’s all too much. Too much.
So, dearly beloved child of God, it’s time for you to turn your attention in a different direction. I am requesting that after you read this blog, you turn off your phone or tablet or computer and follow the directions you will read below.
Don’t laugh or roll your eyes. Please take this seriously.
Get ready to power down your electronic devices for just a few moments.
You won’t regret it.
(Do you ever regret taking a break from your devices?)
Yes, the world is in turmoil. But we still have creation to marvel at.
Squirrels are still scampering and birds are still chirping.
Leaves are falling and branches are growing bare.
Deer still wander through backyards and chipmunks still scurry from bush to bush.
At the beach, sea shells overlay the sand. Whole and broken – they are wondrous to behold.
In the mountains, rocks glitter as they line walking trails.
In the city, plants still break through concrete, reaching for the sun.
In the country, the earth bursts forth with plants, flowers, and new life of all sorts.
Raise your eyes, Caldwell. Watch birds soar overhead. Watch squirrels running across power lines.
Lower your eyes, Caldwell. Watch ants do their disciplined work. Watch worms burrow into the soil.
Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of creation.
Take a deep breath and smell the scent of creation.
Open your eyes and look around.
Gaze at the wonder of creation that surrounds you.
Let it dazzle you, fascinate you, move you, and fill you up.
Let it nourish you, comfort you, bathe you, and heal you.
Take off your shoes. The place where you are standing is still holy ground.
In this “Season of Creation,” let us give God thanks as we marvel at the glory of creation, of this planet,
this third rock from the sun, this our home.
Creation has been talking to us – loud and clear. Are we listening? Are we learning?
What are we going to do about it?
We will continue to ponder creation in worship on Sunday. I’ll be preaching from Matthew 6:25-34.
Bring something with you that reminds you of creation – a stone, a shell, a leaf, a feather.
Let’s sit in wonder, in awe, and in gratitude together – whether you worship with us online or in person.
Now turn off this gadget and go outside.
Seriously. Power down. Go outside.
Lift your eyes or lower them. And be amazed.