Created

Nature often puts me in a contemplative mood. Watching a splashy ruby purple sunset on the beach. Craning my neck to see the tiptops of redwood giants in the woods. Cuddling up inside while the rain pounds and the thunder cracks outside. Gazing at hills full of wildflowers and inhaling the fresh breeze. These are times I think of God. It’s easy to do, he was the very one who created all I see, hear, and smell.

This week, glued to my television I watched another side of nature that put me in a contemplative mood. Watching swimmers race through the water. Marveling over divers hitting the pool in synchronized beauty. Gasping as gymnasts bounce and flip through the air. Listening as another anthem is played in victory. The 29th Olympic Games from Beijing has captured my attention.

I think we are in awe of nature because we have no part in creating or controlling it. So it’s easy to sit back and say, “Wow! Look at that! God is amazing!” when you see a perfect rose. The Olympics gives me the same awestruck feeling. Because I am not a world-class athlete the feats those humans accomplish are far beyond me. It has to be God’s creation. I know those people put in a tremendous effort to become the very best in their discipline of sport. However watching the many things a human body can do has me also thinking, “Wow God! Your engineering is flawless. Look at what these athletes can do!”

It’s easy to find God in the extraordinary, the big nature moments. Watching the Olympics I was reminded we humans are an extraordinary part of nature too. We are his creation. We should see God in each other whether we are Olympic medalists or cheering fans. He sees us all the same—beautiful.

Posted 8/16/2008 @ 4:11 PM | Weekly Thoughts