The frame is worn and tattered but the words and picture remain beautiful. A reminder to me of the things that are important in life. God the creator, friends and the beauty of creation.
The Finest ThingsPoet: Dorothy Bradford
The finest things in life are thoseWe neither sell nor buy;A bursting bud - a bird that sings,A glowing western sky,And friends to love - these are indeedWell worth their weight in gold -And may you know the gladness whichSuch things forever hold.
I have always enjoyed the outdoors, and the beauty of creation. Earlier this year I spent three days with my daughter camping at the Edwards river camping ground, enjoying the peace and quiet of the bush.
No modern day facilities, very little phone signal, the only sounds were from the birds and kangaroos and wind rustling through the trees.
A time of refreshing and relaxing away from the hustle and bustle and stresses of life.
Too often we are so busy with our life that we don’t see the beauty around us. We become tired, anxious, often angry and frustrated, as all we see is the problems of the world.
Have you ever stopped to look around you and see the amazing art work in the sky, the clouds, the sunsets and sunrises? The bush, mountains rivers and beaches?
Have you ever seen Uluru, the Great Ocean Road or a pod of dolphins playing together in the ocean? There are so many things in nature that give us pause and make us say, "Wow!”
All of creation points to the Creator. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2)
There's something about examining a delicate flower or admiring a rushing waterfall that reminds us we are not accidents, and our God is an awesome God.
Creation is not the only thing God uses to show us His power, His grace, and His love. He gave us His word to tell us who He is, who we are, and how much He loves us.
God is gracious to give us both creation and His word as different lenses to see the same truths about Him.
How often does God give us a beautiful sunset, or paint a rainbow in the sky at just the right time — when we need a reminder of His power, love, and promises?
How often does He lead us to exactly the Scripture we need that day?
Taking in the awesome beauty of creation and reading the Bible every day connects us with our Creator and Saviour.
If you ever find yourself in doubt about who God is, take a look around in creation and I guarantee you that you will see Him there.
God bless.
Sonia Edwards,
Echuca Moama Salvation Army