I am blessed to live in a relatively small village with a variety of scenery attractions. A river flows nearby, the banks of which are overgrown but sufficiently maintained to allow traversal while still encouraging wildlife. The remains of an old bridge have resulted in a steep bank at one point, atop which a tree has grown; despite its roots being exposed down the slope, it has grown deep enough to remain stable, and the spot serves as an excellent vantage point from which to view the flowing water below. The road is at sufficient distance for the light traffic to just barely be heard, leaving the area quiet without it seeming remote.
An inlet to this river flows out from a spring-fed pond, artificially maintained but naturally populated with ducks and geese. During this time of year, adolescent water fowl can be seen swimming ahead and behind their progenitors. Ducklings are tiny creatures, an adorable sight whether milling about each other or as a maverick explorer on the outskirts of the pond. The goslings aren’t nearly as small right now, but still only half the size of their adult guardians, and seemingly better tempered at this stage in life, content to sit around on the shore with the older fowl standing watch. Occasionally we’ve seen cormorants, loons, and swans in the area, but these are much rarer.
Away from the more intentional public attractions, the surrounding homes feature a wide variety of natural wonders. Yards are big enough for trees, sometimes front but more often side or back, depending on the part of town. Different times of year favor one batch of flowers or another, and the most industrious gardeners alternate their beds to take the most advantage of them at any given stage of the season. I’m not botanically knowledgeable enough to identify most of the plants I see blooming about, but I can still appreciate the shapes, colors and scents.
In these examples of Creation, I’m reminded of the God who designed them and glorifies Himself through them. My appreciation for nature goes beyond its aesthetic beauty, because it also testifies of God’s love for me; “Consider the lilies, how they grown: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith!” (Luke 12:27-28) Indeed, in my lacking faith I still struggle at times to put aside my fear of the future. But I am blessed to live in a place where reminders of my assurance are plentiful.
Be inspired! TTT