Earlier this year, the Lord challenged me to live out Psalm
46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” It’s hard for me to be still…correction: It
is hard for my mind to be still. It is constantly churning out ideas, worries,
schedules, grocery lists, worst-case scenarios…you get the idea. So I figured
with Daren and I taking a sabbatical from ministry, this was the perfect
time for me to practice.
Recently, as I was sitting by the pool, Jackson climbed out
and settling down on the warm cement he sighed contentedly, “I am going to bask
in the sun.” The word bask resonated with me. I looked up
the definition: “to lie or relax in a pleasant atmosphere; to take pleasure or
derive enjoyment.” I knew immediately that the Lord was inviting me to bask in His
creation- to be still in the beauty of it and to simply enjoy being in it.
When it comes to God’s creation, I have always been drawn to
the artistry and grace of trees. They manage to stand tall throughout decades
remaining unchanged (with the exception of the seasons). There is something
soothing about watching the wind blow through their leaves- a secret love
language from God whispering His presence.
While on sabbatical, we have traveled to a variety of
places, allowing me to spend time with the Lord in many resplendent settings. During
many of my quiet times, I have situated myself near a window or balcony
overlooking trees. At the first place we stayed, it was a giant weeping willow,
gently swaying in the breeze. In Colorado and New Mexico, it was the
magnificent pine and aspen trees. In California it is the statuesque palm trees
that captured my attention. I find it easier to be transported into the
presence of God when I focus on His creation, one of His many love letters to
us, His children. His creation is not to be worshipped in and of itself but
rather it is merely a window through which we glimpse His glory, His power
and love for us- His most prized creation. I am beyond grateful that the Lord has
allowed me to be refreshed and renewed through the variety and magnitude of His
creation: mountains and oceans, hills and valleys, pine trees and palm trees.
As I walked along the beach a few days ago, marveling at the
ebb and flow of the tide, I was reminded of what Henri Nouwen wrote about
creation: You, O Lord, can be found in
your creation because it all came into being through the Word of your Almighty
Father, who spoke the creation into existence and saw that it was good.
