Wednesday, 16 July 2008

• 

  A few weeks back, this volcano eruption in Chile made quite a stir. The eruption happened right in the midst of a lightning storm and the two forces of nature merged to create a magnificent sight. And there were fantastic pictures.

  These pictures leave me gasping for air. I can't help to see the fury and power of God revealed in the mighty storm. This dangerous beauty practically shouts his name.

  At the same time, though, it reminds me of a song by mewithoutYou. MewithoutYou is one of my personal favorite bands that any Christian would be doing themselves a favor to listen to (or at least read their lyrics; their style might not be everyone's cup of tea).

  Their song "The Dryness and the Rain" begins with a poetic interpretation of 1 Kings 19:11-12. The lyrics I so appreciate read thusly, "First came a strong wind, rippin' off rooftops like bottlecaps and bending lamp posts down to the ground. Then came a thunder, shattering my window. But You were not that strong wind or that mighty sound that left the barn in shambles, the rabbit hutch in ruins, the split-rail fence splintered and the curtains torn."

  In life, it's easy to see God's presence in the fantastic. When I look at those pictures of the erupting volcano, it's easy for me to point to the power and destruction and declare, "There is the hand of the Almighty!"

  But it's rare that I have that response when I see an orange leaf drop lazily off of a tree. When my cheeks are kissed by a warm breeze, I often forget that such simple, subtle beauty is just as much a touch of God's glory. I forget that it wasn't the fire or the earthquake that called Elijah, but the soft whisper that came afterward.

  The problem isn't just limited to nature, though! When grand troubles or joys come into our life, we often look to attribute them to God. And doing this, we often miss the smallest little touches of God in our everyday lives: a warm smile from a stranger or a chance meeting with an old friend. I challenge you to take steps today to appreciate the smallest things in life. What are some ways that you would like to try that? Let me know!

  • 9:48 PM
  • 75 Views
  • 2 eProps
  • 1 Comment