Take Nothing For Granted

A soaking rain watered grass and gardens last night in some areas of Massachusetts and the weather forecasters promise sunshine this afternoon until Tuesday evening, with a possiblity of showers. Indeed, as I write, the sun is beginning to shine. A familiar pattern of wet and dry, warmth and growth. Family stories, local and national news contain their allotment of similar ups and downs, ins and outs. It's all part of the pattern of life, all too often taken for granted, and in some cases leading even to discouragement. Sitting quietly a looking at grass and flowers, noticing them as we drive here and there, can make us aware of how God reveals himself in these little things, these patterns of creation that can be lost in our hurry to get things done or go from one place to another. A few days in Whispering Pines, North Carolina, where the speed limit ranges from 20-35 miles per hour, where horns and sirens are not allowed, gave me again the picture of how tranquil life can be when we slow down and listen to the "whisper" of creation, of God's gentle reminder, "Here I am. Notice me. Don't take anything for granted. It's all part of me. All good, all beautiful, if you look with eyes to see and ears to hear."
Bro. Rene