“The hills are clothed with gladness,” King David proclaimed (Psalm 65:12b).
I couldn’t agree more. Even on the little hillside of our backyard viewed from my perch on the deck, I see much gladness. And observations of the gladness lead to worship.
Sun glints through the trees creating a spotlight effect on some branches and turning backlit leaves into glowing emeralds. Down by the creek bed foliage is draped in deep, green-black shadow, beckoning wildlife into its cool environs.
Thank you, Father, for the comfort and cheer of dappled light.
Air currents waft through the trees causing branches to bob and sway. The long, compound leaves of the black walnut tree swing back and forth like bells joyfully ringing on the breeze. And flowers appear to wave jauntily to their Maker.
Thank you, Father, for the restoration and delight of a cool breeze.
Two cardinals take turns serenading amidst the lacy greenery overhead. Robins, house wrens, chickadees, and more add accompaniment; the cicadas provide percussion.
The hills have certainly burst into song this day (Isaiah 55:12)!
Thank you, Father, for the pleasure and solace of bird song.
Two small squirrels play tag, spiraling rapidly around a tree five times. When they stop, I wonder, Are they tired or dizzy? And how do they run so fast, even clambering upside down without losing their grip?
(Woosh!)
Sometimes they jump impossible distances from tree to tree and I catch my breath. Their safety seems in jeopardy, yet the little fellows never fall. God has specially equipped them to handle such feats—just one of a million examples of how he has engineered every plant and animal for survival.
(“In his hand is the life of every creature.–Job 12:10a)
Thank you, Father, for the evidence of your wisdom, power, and influence—even among our backyard squirrels.
I’m remembering other animals that have visited less frequently. In the fall, a chubby woodchuck lumbers in the underbrush, fueling up for hibernation. Every now and then we spot a chipmunk or rabbit; sometimes even deer emerge out of the thicket, regal and quiet, to feed and rest in the yard. Our resident raccoon occasionally perches in his hole high up in the hawthorn tree, checking on the weather.
On summer nights we enjoy a festival of fireflies. Our trees appear decorated for Christmas with hundreds of twinkling lights. Frogs in the creek bed offer the sound track.
Thank you, Father, for the fascinating variety of creatures with which you’ve populated the world. “How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Psalm 104:24).
The sky is full of God’s creatures, too. A small gaggle of Canada geese announce their coming with raucous honking. They’re heading for the pond behind duplexes down the street. Long necks stretch forward; large wings gracefully ply the air.
Also skyward, among great banks of cumulus clouds glides a puffy hippo!
And sometimes a red-tailed hawk glides in circles above the trees. Landing requires several battings of wings with feathers fanned out and talons extended forward–a lesson in aerodynamics and precision.
“The heavens declare your glory; the skies proclaim your works” (Psalm 19:1), O God, night and day.
Thank you, Father, that all things speak of you—flora and fauna, rock and water, earth and sky.
This deck has become a holy, hallowed place where the glory of your creation excites wonder.
And woven throughout your works is the mystical and supernatural—to inspire, expand, and enrich our souls for more of you.
To that end I seek for my own life the same wisdom, power, and influence I see in your creation. Then I too may reflect your glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
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What has compelled you to worship from your deck, porch, or beach towel? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!
(Photo credits: www.guideposts.org; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pixnio.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2); http://www.flickr.com; http://www.slideshare.net; http://www.pinterest.com (2).
Nancy, What a lovely description of your surroundings and what a lovely location you have to watch God’s creation and creatures. The scriptures were beautiful.
A very nice Blessings. I have as you know some birds, a special cardinal, rabbit, turtle, racoons but do not see as much as we once did I am still at my home for another year or two. Have my name on the waiting list at Sunny Side but will really miss being so far from my Church. It is in God’s hands and in His care and I am sure He has a plan. Love and Blessings, Janet
Thank you, Janet. May your transition from home to retirement center (?) go smoothly. Your faith is always an encouragement to me, as you affirm God’s capable control and loving care over your life. He sure DOES have a plan, and it’s a GOOD one! Love to you, too, dear friend, Nancy
Loved this post! It made me think of all the times I have taken the time to worship God in the moment. I love going to the beach and walking along the shore while looking at all the beautiful shells (different shapes, colors, sizes & textures), seeing the seagulls and pelicans flying above just waiting for their next meal and marveling at the infinity of the horizon. I also enjoy seeing the wonder of the mountains. I’m always amazed that the same God that fashioned the mountains with His hands took such care to create me and every other human on the planet and made us in His image even though we are all so incredibly unique. Thanks for sharing and helping me to remember special times of worship with our God!
You’re welcome, Tina! The beach certainly does offer inspiration for worship–the ocean teeming with such a variety of lifeforms; the number of grains of sand just within viewing distance; the way pelicans can dive so fast and hard to catch a fish, and never hurt their beaks or heads…the list could go on and on! Thank you for helping me recapture the wonder of the beach–from the midst of the Midwest!
Beautiful.
Thank you, Bette!
“This deck has become a holy, hallowed place where the glory of your creation excites wonder. And woven throughout your works is the mystical and supernatural—to inspire, expand, and enrich our souls for more of you.”
Yours, too? Such lovely deck-larations Nancy.
I thought of you as I wrote, since you were so instrumental in getting me out there to observe, listen, and meditate. I’m delighted you found these deck-larations to be lovely. Praise God for his inspiration as I sat and recorded!
Sublimely refreshing, Nancy, thank you so much!
Thank YOU, Laurie! So glad this post brought refreshment to you.
This is refreshing & reminds me to stop & appreciate the world God has allowed me to live in. Glad I found your blog; keep honoring God with your poetic gift.
Thank you, Wood Tic! Your kind words have greatly encouraged me. I pray you’ll find the posts here meaningful!
beautiful. I actually relaxed as I read it and pondered the wonderful pics. I too have really enjoyed our backyard deck this summer. Some years its too hot, too cold or too humid but we have had many wonderful days this year. And i make the point to enjoy it whenever I can!
I’m with you, Jean, trying not to let the balmy days slip by without availing myself of the glory–right out there on the deck!
Nancy, you will find me perched on my Kubota 5-foot deck tractor at least four hours per week as I mow both my Mom and my lawns, as well as two fields that are on either side of our homes. Last week a doe and fawn ventured into the field where I was mowing. They stopped in their tracks and I stopped the tractor. I couldn’t help but think of the Lord as I appreciated their beautiful coloring. Also, as Facebook friends share their pictures of flowers and birds I am ever mindful of the Creator of such remarkable beauty. I look forward to the glorious colors and wonders that await us in Heaven for all eternity. And, Nancy, this is a gorgeous post, conjuring up visions of nature, along with the scripture and your own lovely prose. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind encouragement, Cheri. I’m impressed you can wield a tractor! And I share in your delight, sighting that doe and fawn. Up close and personal encounters with wildlife are truly mystical, aren’t they? And you’re right: the wonders of earth no doubt pale by comparison to what awaits us in heaven!
Hi Nancy,
Great piece with great peace from the Lord. You really captured the moments of the Lord’s creation here. We see hummingbirds in our yard. There are so many little birds that clean out our feeder in just a couple of days. It reminds me that life is fleeting, so slow down enough to enjoy the show.
Thank you,
Gary
Thank you, Gary! I think it was John Calvin who called creation, “God’s glorious theater.” Day and night the performance occurs for our amazement and enjoyment. And you are right, Gary: If we don’t slow down we miss all the wonder around us.
Life goes by too fast so we should slow down and enjoy it.
Beautiful pictures and heavenly thoughts!
Thank you, Ron. God has given us a beautiful and heavenly spot to sit and revel in His creation!