The Wonder of God

On autumn afternoons, I enjoy turning into our neighborhood  and driving past the tot lot where the vibrant colors of the season glow in the late afternoon sun. The tot lot is the community plot in our subdivision where the children play and seasonal picnics are held.  It borders the Lake Braddock football stadium and is often walked through by neighbors on their way to Friday night games.  But on late October afternoons, it is transformed into a glowing palette of yellow, orange, red, and gold as the colors of the season come to life with the setting sun.  This narrow corridor of trees holds little attraction for me most days.  It probably has more to do with the rush and hurry of my own distraction than anything else, but the wonder of this natural phenomenon draws me out of my routine to pause and appreciate it's wonder.  Simple things are indeed powerful!

 

What get's your attention these days?  If you said threats of war, presidential politics, uncertain economic times, I understand, for those and other issues like them are hard to ignore.  I have learned, however, that wonder and appreciation are treasures of the human experience that must not be overlooked in the midst of the noise and threats of daily life.  I am also learning that one must intentionally seek wonder, otherwise the heaviness of the world can become overwhelming. 

 

Amidst the worry and fear of his day, Jesus encouraged his followers with these words from the Sermon on the Mount. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry..."  Look around you and witness the wonder of God. Such beauty is good for the soul.

 

Trunk or Treat will be held at Westwood tomorrow from 4-5 p.m.  It will be a fun time of costumes and candy, providing another opportunity to welcome our community.  I look forward to seeing you for worship this Sunday as I begin a special series of messages taken from Deuteronomy 6 focusing on the great commandment.  The preschool choir will be singing and that is always a blessing, so invite a friend and join us as we gather to worship the living God.

 

Jim Abernathy