Seeing and savoring the beauty

        We're back from the mountains, but I'm still remembering and savoring the extraordinary beauty of those majestic green hills and dancing streams.

 There were moments throughout each day that I would pause, inhale deeply of that pure mountain air, and offer my simple praise to Almighty God for the wonder of His spectacular handiwork.  Thank You, Father, for eyes to see Your beauty as reflected in Your creation.  Thank You for ears to hear the chorus of birds, babbling water, and gentle breezes in the swaying trees.  Thank You for a nose to smell the scent of pine and purity.  Thank You for feet to climb over big rocks and stomp through cold water.  

 Thank You especially for the priceless gift of sharing Your magnificent creation with loved ones.  How grateful I am for my family and my friends.  What multifaceted treasures they each are.  Here are just a few of them.  My sweet sister, Jane, showing off her big catch!  (Don't worry--we throw everything back!)

  Some of our crew (we were really missing some of our family, but thankful for every one we got to be with!).

 A few good men...in front of a few good mountains.

          But most of all, I'm thankful for the beautiful Creator who is so clearly reflected throughout all His breathtakingly lovely creation.  I can't remember who said it, but someone once pointed out that all of nature is one giant finger pointing clearly to the Creator.  Creation is the finger that points to the One who so perfectly and wondrously crafted every atom of every square inch of creation.  Every slippery, colorful trout...every blooming rhododendron...every soaring mountain peak...every pebble, rock and boulder...every stream, lake, and ocean...and every uniquely different and remarkable person made in His image.
         Oh might we be even more captured by Christ's beauty, by His wonder, by His glory.  Might we see His creation and give praise to the Creator.  Might our enjoyment of all of His gifts point us inexorably and unmistakably to Him and His goodness and grace.  
         "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Ps.16:11)   Help us Father to see and savor the Lord Jesus in all His beauty, power, splendor, and glory.
        Thank You for the gifts of this beautiful world.  Thank You for the gifts of our loved ones.  Thank You for any and all gifts--big and small--which are all from Your hand for You are the Giver of all good gifts. (James 1:17).  And thank You, thank You, thank You for the Gift of all Gifts--our Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and Friend, the Lord Jesus.  Help us to see, savor, and treasure His beauty this day and every day.  To God be the glory.
        To God be the glory.