Splendor in the Grass

Genesis l:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. After we did the fireworks stand, we took a few days off and went to the lake. You would think we had enough time in that camper after two weeks, but no, we wanted to go have fun at the lake. Had visits from both kids and their families, and had a wonderful time. Now we are exhausted, resting up at home. I enjoy camping for many reasons, not the least of which is my fascination with God's beautiful creation. Riding down the lake, as I look at the bluffs,some would just see trees. Not me. I see a huge number of different hues of green. Each tree is a little bit different, and as I look at them I marvel at God's ability to create beauty. I look at the way the water curls as the boat creates a wake. White and blue with crystal droplets falling back into the water. The sunset on the night we stayed out later on the water was amazing. Colors of peach, yellow, blue, dark gray ( storm cloud), orange and many colors in between were breathtaking. I feel the same way every time I go somewhere and observe nature. Two of my favorite places were seen on a trip to the west we made a couple of years ago. I can't even express for you how beautiful Yellowstone National Park is. Waterfalls, geysers,animals .....none of it man-made and all of it exquisite. I remember sitting by one waterfall and thinking, "I could stay here for the rest of my life, just looking. " The second was the drive from Aspen, Colorado to Denver. This drive is listed in a book I have of the most scenic spots in North America. It's indescribable. Mile after mile of vine-covered bluffs,small roads overpowered by massive chunks of rock, wildflowers,even the sunlight peeking through the branches of trees. Absolutely beautiful. No one but God could create such a thing.....no one. My backyard. Though quaint and not designed very well by the people who live here, the experience of sitting in the swing and just BEING is wonderful. I look at the flowers growing near, feel the breeze on my face, listen to the birds sing. I love it. I sometimes hope heaven is all of this. Just enjoying God's creation. Sitting and looking at the treasure He has given us. Of course, His creation goes much farther, and includes the people with whom we share our lives. I look at 6 grandchildren, the miracle they are, and know the most important thing is to pray for their close relationship with Christ. To give them the ability to appreciate all God has made and done for them. To let them experience this type of joy both here and in eternity. I have been studying the Psalms, as I told you before. David was certainly full of praise for God. No matter what he did, or what circumstances he was in, he had praise on his lips. Here are a few of the praises he expressed: Psalm 63:4 -I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 69:34 - Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them, Psalm 148:13 - Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. In the Psalms alone there are 92 instances of the word praise in reference to the Father for all he has done. (NIV) In the entire Bible, the word 'praise' is found 347 times. Hmmmm.....God must have thought praise was pretty important to put that much emphasis on it in His Word. I wonder if any of you are like me. I get so caught up in my daily life, my thoughts frequently run in the 'crisis' mode. What to do about this, what does God want done about that, is this relationship ok....you know the drill. What I'm not very good about is consistently praising Him. For another day's breath. For my blessings, my family, my friends. For allowing me to be born in privilege, not poverty. For this amazing creation He lets me enjoy. One way I try to increase my praise is to listen to Christian radio. K-LOVE is my favorite. As you know, I am very stirred by music. So, when I hear the words of a particular song praising Him, it stirs me to join in. And frankly, any bad day can turn into a better one when you are praising Him. I always need to work on spontaneous praise, a thank-you for an experience, an expression of gratitude for a beautiful sunset, and on and on. I know He values spontaneous praise. Give it a try. Make a decision to be intentional in your desire to praise Him more. He rewards that praise with joy abounding. And that joy becomes just another splendor to praise Him for.