Finding God in Nature

This post is by Melissa Thorne, Novato UMC.

One spring morning I awoke to the sun's rays streaking through my blinds, filtering the warm glow over my face and sheets. The warmth so inviting beckoning me to rise, yet sleep still enveloping me, dreams so vivid and clear. Soon a beautiful song, one I had never heard before floated like a cloud in the sky through my window. As the dreams began slipping away I opened my eyes and rose to see which one of God's creatures was singing. Realizing that at this very moment it was as if I were listening for the first time, as if all other sounds in nature had fallen on deaf ears. Sweet sound filling my room like God's angels singing softly in heaven. Slowly I tugged with gentle motion on the string, the blinds folding like an accordion glide up the window toward the heavens. As I peered out the window my gaze was drawn to the live oak over shadowing the backyard: where are you my feathered friend? Thick was the tree with branch and leaf only song could be heard, filtered light flecking onto the soft green grass. Where are you ? I asked once again as if I were expecting an answer from someone who evidently was not there.

What beauty all around! Tulips in rainbow colors, daisies in white with sweet yellow centers, golden poppies and yellow daffodils mixing and mingling around the bird bath. As I became lost in the warmth of the sun and the beauty surrounding me I closed my eyes and listened. Suddenly it dawned on me that I have been not only deaf but blind to the good Lord's creations. All around me was pure love made by God's hands, and until this moment I had not really noticed. Oh sure I had been camping and hiking I always considered myself an outdoors girl, but honestly for whatever reason I never had a connection to God like this before. I knew then that I had been touched by the grace of God.

That very morning whence I awoke God had opened my eyes and ears to the world around me like I had never known. Nature and all things in it are sacred gifts from God that we should all cherish, respect, and love. Mindfulness is kindness.

I never heard that bird song again, nor did I ever see the beauty who sang into my window. God truly works in mysterious ways.