Nature Echoes the Creator

Mount of the Holy Cross
All Photos by Christopher Lukanich

Aspens in the Fall near
Edwards, CO
Our life near Vail is tied to the ebbs and flow of the natural world around us. The snow and the summers invite people to come experience God’s creation in ways they can’t where they live. We pray for snow in the winter and mild days in the summer. Our livelihood depends on it. Much like the survival of any who work the land or enjoy the fruit that it provides.
There is nothing safe about living here. We experience the extremes of winter and the joy of warm sun lit summers. The flowers explode into the world almost overnight in the spring and the golden Aspen trees are one of the most beautiful sights in fall. We don’t have to go far to understand all God has given us. Creation gives us a reason to remember that God is good and that God takes great joy in the world. I have been able to see this connection between God’s creation and the Joy of God as creator everywhere I’ve lived but here I can see how the world glorifies God everyday.
Eagle River near Vail Christian High School
We also know that the nature can be dangerous. We have learned first hand how perilous it is to leave the path or go outside of the ropes. We have people who give their time to find those who are lost. We set up shelters for travellers who are stranded because snowstorm can cut off our valley quickly. We know that wild animals are nearby and that if we leave anything out they will come for a visit. We have learned what time of the day is the safest to hike and we know that wild animals cannot be tamed. Just think of the video of the Mountain Lion in Eagle Vail this week.
And yet even the dangers seem to show us who God is. Everything seems to work in a way that affirms that God is with us. The natural world around us is immense, dangerous and awe inspiring all at the same time. 
Psalm 19 reminds us that everything declares who God is. Everything shows us that God is active and present in our world. We only have to look and not become so wrapped in our own lives that we no longer see the breathtaking view around us daily.


Today’s Scripture: Psalm 19: 1-6
Where do you find God?
1 The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2 One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3 Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,
4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.
5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
        it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again; *
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
Conversation Starters:
  • Where do you go to discover God?
  • How do you recognize that God is here in this place?
  • What has taken your breath away this week?
  • How does the natural world reveal God to you?

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