Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world His
invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly
seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without
excuse.”
Right now there are large, scary dust bunnies under my
couch. We’ve been remodeling, so the area around the front door boasts two
different shades of paint while the spackle sets. Scooters and bikes in various
sizes are scattered about the driveway, and I still haven’t figured out how to
take the kids’ shower curtain down from the new hooks so I can (finally) wash
it.
And if I spend too much time inside, trying to subdue all of
those things, I can forget what an incredibly beautiful world God has created
for me outside.
Once in awhile, we need a trip to the mountains or an
afternoon at the beach. Perhaps for you it’s a trip to the zoo or a local park.
Whatever your family finds enjoyable, you should make time to do! Spending time
appreciating God’s creation always gives me new energy and inspiration for my
own. Blue sky, azure seas and tawny sand show up in rug, wall and furniture
choices in one room, while the scent of gardenias drives me to hunt for the
perfect candle to scent another.
Sometimes, I just flat need to be reminded how much bigger
He is than all of it.
“One day not long ago I awoke in the early light of morning.
I sat in a favorite chair that is positioned facing a mountain. A whirling
snowstorm was blowing in clouds over the mountain, and the gentle snow drifting
down onto the pine trees was a soothing balm to my then-frazzled soul. I put on
some music, made a cup of tea, lit a candle, and allowed the moment to fill me
with peace. It was in the beauty of this peaceful time that I spent my first
few waking moments being reminded of the Lord’s splendor and quietness.
This is the picture that I asked God to place in my mind all day as I
progressed to the less peaceful moments, which involved cleaning the house,
getting my children ready for the day, following them through their chores,
disciplining attitudes, making meals, and completing phone calls. These few
moments admiring God’s creation stayed with me all day. But I had to take time
to appreciate it and store it in my heart.
Our children will need hundreds of such pictures to store in
their hearts in order to adequately face the battles in their lives. When we
help them to cultivate these pictures for themselves, and continually pass
along a repertoire of natural beauty and the touch from God’s hands, our
children will indeed have reservoirs of soul food from which to feed for a
lifetime.” ~ The Mission of Motherhood, Chapter 10
Something to Read:
Job 38:1-7 “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind
and said, ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now
gird up your loins like a man, and I will ask you, and you instruct Me! Where
were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have
understanding, who set its measurements, since you know? Or who stretched the
line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the
morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?’”
(This entire chapter is worth reading!) What is God’s answer
to Job’s friends, who lacked understanding of his
suffering? What are some ways you can expose your children to the bigness and
holiness of God?
Something to Try:
Visit a bookstore or library and bring home a book with
pictures by a great painter or photographer whose work stirs awe in your
hearts. Look over it together with mugs of hot chocolate or cold cider,
pointing out your favorites. You could even try to copy the one you like best!
To Discuss Here in the Comments:
What beautiful memory do you have that might help get you
through the less-beautiful moments of a busy day?
About Misty Krasawski