The Beauty of Nature

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

I love living in Vermont. Sure, I have more friends in other places like Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, because I haven't lived here in a long time and lost touch with a lot of people, (I'm working on that!) but I think it's beautiful up here. If I had my druthers, I would actually have all my friends move here to Vermont.

There are so many beautiful views up here that you can't help but notice them when you drive almost anywhere. Wednesday, I was at physical therapy admiring the view out the windows, the other day I was driving back from Rutland with my pastor and we were commenting on the view, and I've often enjoyed the picturesque view of Royalton you see while driving on I-89. It's images such as this...

You actually get a some of New Hampshire in this view, but it's taken standing in Vermont

Whenever I take the time to admire the beauty around me, I can't help but see God in this creation, I just can't imagine that all this ended up here by random chance. I know there are awful things that happen too, and I honestly can't imagine why they have to happen, but then, I'm not God, I can't see the whole picture, so I try not to dwell on the bad things that happen.

Looking at the view from the top of Killington, or Brandon Gap, or even from the parking lot at the hospital, I can totally understand Romans 1:20, I can so see God's hand in that creation, and I am incredibly thankful that He allows me to experience it.

Today's hymn is "This Is My Father's World", I hope you take the time to read the lyrics and maybe take some time to get outside and enjoy the nature God has out around you.

1.      This is my Father's world 
 and to my listening ears 
 all nature sings, and round me rings 
 the music of the spheres.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 I rest me in the thought 
 of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; 
 his hand the wonders wrought.

2. This is my Father's world, 
 the birds their carols raise, 
 the morning light, the lily white, 
 declare their maker's praise.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 he shines in all that's fair; 
 in the rustling grass I hear him pass; 
 he speaks to me everywhere.

3. This is my Father's world.  
 O let me ne'er forget 
 that though the wrong seems oft so strong, 
 God is the ruler yet.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 why should my heart be sad?  
 The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!  
 God reigns; let the earth be glad!