words and photos by June Friesen
Recently as we have been hiking, I have taken time to observe the trees. I am so amazed at the intricacy, the uniqueness, the differences, and then the likenesses. And I ponder, “How did God have such an imagination when He was creating things?” The colors, the leaves, the barks, the blossoms, the seeds, the twigs, the branches, and so much more.
And then – listen – shhhhh… listen… there is the whirring of a hummingbird somewhere, there is the chirping of a sparrow, there is the cooing of a dove, there is the chattering of a blue jay, there is the song of the cardinal and so many more…oh yes, and then there is the squawking of the blackbirds too. And I am drawn back to remember the words of Genesis 1.
Genesis 1:20-31 – New Living Translation
20 Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.”
23 And evening passed and morning came, marking the fifth day.
24 Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. 25 God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth,[c] and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”
27 So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
29 Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. 30 And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened.
31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!
Yes, God looked – and it was good.
Have you looked recently? Have you seen the goodness of God? Have I seen the goodness of God? Have I taken time to say thank you to God? I shared a couple of views through the trees… the beauty of the water and different mountain terrain. I ponder a bit more this uniqueness, this beauty, and I wonder… I share the beauty of the cardinal, the beauty of a hummingbird… so different and yet the same in some ways.
I wonder if I allow others to see the beauty of God’s creation when they look at me? Yes, God desires that each one of us allow His creativeness to be shared in this world as each one of us is uniquely made for the time, for the space, for the people, where we find ourselves living. I wonder if each one of us embraced the wonder and beauty of all of God’s creation if our spirits could be more at rest and peace within us? Would we reach out in tenderness, kindness, and love rather than judgment, anger, and distrust? I wonder… yes… I wonder… do you?
THE SONG AND DANCE OF THE LEAVES
I cannot wait to spring forth and grace this twig.
I cannot wait to spring forth and reach for the sky.
I cannot wait to spring forth and look down on the beautiful roses.
I cannot wait to spring forth and with my friends make shade from the sun.
I cannot wait to spring forth in full life, all green and fancy –
Oh, I know – I will have ruffle edges,
While my friends with have flat edges,
And others will have points and so much more.
I cannot wait to spring forth
And drink from the sunshine giving the branches and trunk new life,
And yield shade to those who desire to lean back and dream,
And bless the night with renewed oxygen for the air.
I cannot wait to spring forth into the fullness of summer
And then I can give shelter to those little chirping babies,
I can let go of a leaf or two and let it flutter to the ground,
Where a worm or a bug can find shelter and rest too.
I cannot wait – can you?
For my life to move forward into another day anew –
What will I be able to gift into the new day –
That will be fresh and new – and bless the world with life.
I cannot wait for a new beginning –
As yesterday seemed such a disappointment
Even though my friends said it was great
Somehow it just didn’t have that freshness – actually it seemed rather stale.
Ahhhh…..today the sun is shining in fullness –
I stretch my arms wide, embracing its beams –
I inhale deeply of the morning air –
And let go the staleness that may linger from my rest.
I cannot wait to have that first drink –
I cannot wait to have that first bite –
I cannot wait to nourish my body to start another new day.
I cannot wait to share this new beginning with everyone I meet.
I will dance – to the fullest of my energy
I will tell – of the wonders of God’s work
I will sing exuberantly – of praise for the blessings I have
I will pray – with a fervent and reverent spirit
Believing God will continue this wonder He has begun –
And continue to grow it until
My life blesses the world, the people and God as well.
Amen and amen!
Did you know? We have many resources available for downloads–from books to retreats, cards and coloring pages, and much more–including free resources! Check out our shop here for all the fun!