Nature Cries Out

Standing on top of a mountain and soaking in the pulsing life of the valley below. Waiting, poised at the edge of the ocean while the water washes in and out, gradually creeping higher. Bursting out of a cool forest into an unexpectedly warm and sunshiny meadow filled with the flowers of spring. Running and running down a dusty desert road with a hot wind blowing and buffeting unceasingly. Listening to a river flow swiftly through the middle of a densely green, incredibly bright, forest. Soaking up the sun while gazing over the unreal beauty of an aquamarine sea. There is something fiercely wonderful about the myriad ecosystems in the world of nature.

It is very difficult to conceive of the idea that such stunningly intricate and perfectly formatted environments just randomly came together. And the connection and peace that floods the soul and the self when immersed in natural creation is rare to find among man made and construed surroundings. The human mind can dream and construct but in the end what is produced is based on what already is. The colors, smells, sights, sounds and overall sensory impact of nature often inspires people to strive to imitate what nature brings just by existing.

In Romans 1:20 - Paul writes, “ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” There is a compelling beauty in the world which resonates in our souls and screams of a Creator. Spending time in nature refreshes and renews us.

Why?

Because when we experience the raw beauty and majesty of nature - we draw close to the heart of the Creator. We acknowledge our smallness while sensing our greater purpose. If so much care was taken to get the colored hues of the world of nature exactly the way they should be - with the ability to cause breath to catch and hearts to beat faster - how much more care was taken to get every molecule of human creation exactly in place as it should be?

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Knowing this, experiencing it, causes one to look at human beings with new and fresh eyes. To see hope and beauty in every living soul. To feel compassion and companionship borne by the fact we share a common Creator. It is too easy to compare others with ourselves and find them wanting. Or to compare ourselves with others and pick out every way we fail to measure up. We can judge and condemn or praise and exalt people in every stage of life. But to do that requires we suspend the natural, and ignore the fact we are all created equally. When the end of our days is here - we take nothing out of this world with us. What we leave behind will eventually be gone, as well. 

It is only when we look - really look, deeply and with compassion, drawing from our common beginnings - at the people with whose paths we cross that we can begin to fathom their importance. When we look at all humanity created equally, beautifully, wonderfully, our hearts soften and our impact in their lives deepens. Instead of saying things like, “It’s their own fault they are in this situation.” We say, “How can we come alongside and help these human beings get back on their feet?” Rather than throwing money and ideas at the problems in our society, assuaging our guilt so we can get on with our busy lives - we throw energies and time and our human presence into hurting lives, striving together to find true solutions to replace the band aids we are so comfortable with.

When we allow ourselves to experience life as it was created to be experienced - we can have joy in the darkest moments and bring hope to the most deeply suffering individuals. So as nature cries out to the majesty of the Creator - pay attention to the message! Hope and joy and faith and freedom and praise are in those cries. Be moved and then move. Let yourself feel for other people and become an encourager. Permit creation to reorder your priorities so you can love as you were made to love. Let God draw you to His heart and touch yours. Breath it in. Soak it up. Revel in the glory. Embrace your ability to impact humanity. And never, ever, ever, miss out on the awesome magnificence that is life! Be who you are created to be!