I love exploring. It’s so fun to take a hike or drive down a road new to me. I love topping the crest of a mountain and having a 360 degree view I’ve never seen before. Witnessing a grand expanse, soaking in the range of colors and textures in the miles spread before me gives me chills clear to my soul. It makes me feel small and I’m filled with gratitude that God has allowed me to experience another example of His power and grandeur.
It’s not only the grand-scale beauty of creation that gets me, though. Exploring also takes me up close and personal with the details as well. Hummingbirds that would fit easily in the palm of my hand zoom by me, arguing with irritated squawks as they fight over the feeder I’ve hung in a tree nearby. Aspens, with their roundish leaves that quake in even the smallest breeze, seem to sparkle in the sun. Even when I’m doubled over, trying to catch my breath mid-way up a steep hillside, my eyes are gifted with God’s glory. A small rock with veins of pink through black iridescence. Even more of a prize: hugging the slope under pines and aspens that reach fifty feet or more into the sky, low growing plants with small, bright green leaves reveal a treat. Just the sight of the teeny-tiny red balls at the tops of each stem makes my mouth water as I pick a handful. It’s always a joyful surprise when I taste these miniscule fruit: juicy-tart-apple-goodness from something the size of a BB. A tiny promise, a small hint at heaven on earth.
No matter where you are today, whether it be exploring new vistas, relaxing on the couch, or grinding away at your job, here’s my challenge. Stop and see God. Stop and listen, really look. He is here, all around us. He loves us dearly.
PS. Dave, what IS the name of those plants? I know you’ve told me before but I’ve forgotten!
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