We looked out our windows this evening as the sun was setting. The sky was kissed with various shades of orange and red. It was as if God took a brush and painted the sky. In His beautiful way He did, and we were all left captivated by the beauty of it all. It reminded me of these things as well; how in the mornings when the sun rises and shines that beautiful light through our covered windows; I open up our curtains and I am greeted by the new day. Like a good morning from God. I take my children to the park and their laughter carries and I am grateful for the fresh air in their lungs; in all of our lungs. Like a breath of relief and happiness. My husband holds my hand in his, as we walk down a trail, side by side, surrounded by beautifully large trees and various plants and flowers. The world seems quiet and peaceful. For in the woods is a place of serenity; a place we know was created by God in its beauty and its splendor. I watch my dog zoom through the grass and dirt with our children, they feel vibrant, free and filled with energy. For the grass and dirt beneath our feet tends to give us all an extra source of joy. I think of the times we have watched the water hit the shoreline, seemingly refreshing our minds. Or when the water sparkles on a sunny day, as we dip our toes in. Refreshing us in a certain special way, that only that water can do.

   In the rush of tasks and to-do’s, how often do we look out our windows to see the beautiful creation that God has made? Do we take the time to look at His beauty, as the sun is setting? Do we thank God for the morning sunrises, waking us up for a new day? Do we breathe in that fresh air and thank God for the breath of fresh air in our lungs for us all? Do we walk in nature, appreciating its peace and its beauty? Do we feel our feet on the earth below us, feeling the joy of life? Do we allow ourselves to be refreshed whether through mind or body with the water that was created by His hands?

   Friend, we get so caught up in everything; that we forget at times to find joy, peace, and appreciation for all the beauty, detail, and love in His creation. Sometimes we need to just slow down and take all the beauty in. For it has a way of meeting needs, that we sometimes did not even realize that we needed. God knew what He was doing when He made the world. Everything has its purpose. May we take the time to appreciate the beauty of this life that He has given us. For in its beauty, it is like seeing just glimpses of what heaven must be like. I think we all need to see that sometimes; for it reminds us of His hope. Maybe that’s why we find so much joy and peace in it?!

Erin Fitts-Brower

Job 12:7-10 NIV

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.