Perched on a high adirondack chair and reading a book, I can peer over the weather-worn wood railing. I hear a splash in the pond and find the ripples of water where a bass had just struck its prey. While my eyes were exploring the pond, I spotted a small alligator’s head emerging out of the water as it began to glide across the surface. On the water’s edge laid a fallen tree, with a limb protruding from the pond. A duck had decided to post on the protruding limb and spread its wings as if to catch the last of the sun’s warmth before it set behind the tall pines.
The melody of the squirrels wrestling in the leaves and jumping from branch to branch sounded like monkeys being playful in the jungle. Birds were interacting vocally with one another. I wonder what they are saying.
I take a deep breath, look up to the blue sky with wistful white clouds, and thank God for His glorious creations.
Psalm 148 says:
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens!
Praise him from the skies!
Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him, all the armies of heaven!
Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
Praise him, skies above!
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being.
He set them in place forever and ever.
His decree will never be revoked.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you creatures of the ocean depths, fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him, mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all livestock, small scurrying animals and birds, kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth, young men and young women, old men and children.
Let them all praise the name of the Lord.
For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven!
He has made his people strong, honoring his faithful ones—the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord!
I can’t help but say the same as the author of Psalm 148 in my own words of reflection on this moment:
Praise the Lord!
Praise Him for the birds.
Praise Him for the fish, alligator and the ducks in the pond.
Praise Him for the squirrels.
Praise the Lord for all the earth, the dirt, the water as it glistens with kisses from the sun, the reflection of the tall pines upon the water, and the beautiful sky above.
Praise Him for the sounds of nature and the colors that paint the scene.
Praise Him for the feel of fall in the air.
Praise Him for breath, calmness, His forgiveness, love and peace.
He has made this all for us.
Praise the Lord forever and ever!
May I be counted faithful to Him all the days of my life.
Sitting here counting these precious blessings, I do feel such peace.
I pray that you will take a moment to stop your busyness, take a deep breath, and embrace the sights and sounds around you. Even in chaos, find the quietness of Him as He breathes thunderously the blessings that surround you.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
