Nothing like a Carolina Sky

Currently, I am teaching a neighborhood Bible study by John Eldredge titled “Get Your Life Back” and last night’s session reminded me of the amazing wonders that God has created. How many times do you see things in nature; the running water in a meandering stream, a beautiful sunrise with the burst of colors, a deer walking in the woods at dusk, an eagle soaring in the sky, and never really see them? How many hours do we spend in the day scrolling through countless social media reels or watching mindless TV. Can you imagine if you spent just a portion of that time not just glancing at the beauty God created, but actually receiving this gift? None of what God created is happenstance, it was created in perfect harmony and with intent. He created the plants and trees to give us life-giving air, the rain to pour from the sky to provide us the water for all the living creatures to include the plants that provide our air. My daughter once told me that in spite of all we have seen in the world, there is nothing like a Carolina sky. I agree. I can have the most hectic morning and look up to the sky and see the rays of the rising sun reflecting in the clouds, creating a complex mix of colors rarely seen, and be in awe of God’s creations. If I saw that sky in a painting, I would doubt it was real. Can you imagine the weight of the world being lifted from your shoulders as you walk in the woods feeling the moss below your feet? Feel the chaos of the world silenced as you hear the water flowing over rocks as it flows by you in a nearby stream? Feel your breathing come slower and deeper as you smell the fresh pine and trees around you? This is God’s gift to you.

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Psalms 104:24, NIV). How many are His works indeed. God created all things, not just for their functionality, but for their immense beauty, including you. Look around you, all around you and see His creations. Take a moment to hear the different songs of the birds as they wake in the morning. Look at the morning sky and the setting sun and know that the day not only began, but ends in greatness.

Today, I pray that you step away from the scrolling and TV and step outside to see all God has created. I pray that you not only see, but that you receive the beauty of the perfect harmony God created for you.

Photo courtesy of Andy Shields, Isle of Palms, SC

Carolina sunrise