|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Unto The Hills Around Do I Lift Up"1 (Lyrics) |
Genesis 1:25 – And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. (KJV)
My dad showed me his favourite place along the coastal logging road. Tiger lilies banked the roadway, waving their brilliant orange petals with contrasting black spots. Stands of redwood and fir trees canopied everything else. He pointed across the road where the river otters frolicked and played in the creek, where the raccoons chased an abundance of minnows and eels, and where fresh water clams shared the area with them. Black-tail deer flicked their tails as they watched, curiously. Cows grazed on the nearby timbered pastureland. Words weren't needed. We just enjoyed.
Dad's legacy to his children came through his love of nature. He hunted, fished, and observed. He brought home ferns. He planted gardens and built the birdhouses that lined the garden boundary. Frequenting his small apple orchard were birds and deer — eating all reachable apples! He enjoyed sharing the bounty of his labours, as well as his favourite locations, with family, friends, and neighbours.
I wonder if our Father in heaven continues to enjoy His creation as He did in the beginning. Let us take time out to go on an outing and enjoy the outdoor creation. Meditate in the forest. Shriek with joy when rafting rapids. Fish the streams, smell the pines, or sit in a lawn chair and smell the redwood forest as the coastal fragrance moves in with the fog. Taste unsweetened huckleberries fresh off the vine, and take time to think about this lovely creation made by our glorious God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You see goodness in Your wildlife creation, and we see it as beautiful, good, and even entertaining. But even greater, we see You, our Creator. May we take time to slow down and fellowship with You, through the natural beauty that You have placed around us. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 – In Ottawa, Ontario — Uphold John Sourial and his leadership in the mission outreach to Arabic-speaking believers through an evangelical mission in the Presbytery of Ottawa. Give thanks for the large group of youth and young adults who worship and grow together.
Update: Prayer for good vacation and part-time position: "Update May 1, 2024: We had a good vacation. Praise the Lord. Thank you to all Prayer Warriors...." 
Prayer for P.: "Update April 29, 2024: Good news: Praise the Lord!! P has been given the apartment. It will be a..." 
Beautiful, Karen. Thank you.
Thanks Karen, uplifting, full of joy and peace.
So true, Karen! I am most at peace when out in the woods or otherwise enjoying God’s wonderful creation.
Karen, my adult daughter and I did this over the past weekend. We had a great day doing exactly what you mentioned.
Thank you, Karen, for sharing this memory with us of your Dad and how he taught you to love God’s creation. Blessings.
So beautiful. Thank you for reminding me to stop and look at the beautiful pictures God has created!!
(Fl)
Amen Karen! I am so glad and so blessed to live in the mountain wilderness of northern BC and be able to enjoy the marvel of God’s creation each and every day. Truly amazing what He reveals about Himself through it.
Karen, you painted such a beautiful picture of your childhood with your poignant use of imagery.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder to enjoy God’s creation!
Blessings.
Dear Karen:
Thank you for the most beautiful picture you have placed in my head and my heart. Being a lover of God’s wonderful creatures and His handiwork, it is most appreciated.
May He bless you, guide you and help you always.
Hi Karen,
Wonderful devotional today. Through your vivid descriptions I found myself beholding the beauty God has given us to enjoy. Your devotional also brought back to my remembrance Cecil Francis Alexander’s hymn ‘All Things Bright And Beautiful’.
Thank you for sharing!
Greetings Karen,
A beautiful devotional! Thanks for sharing memories of the way your Dad enjoyed and appreciated God’s creation. Yes, each day we need be mindful and very thankful of the glorious things our God has created for us. Praise and glory for our awesome God!
Blessings for your writings.
(B.C.)
Hello Karen
This devotional was so enjoyable, thank you. I could see myself right there enjoying what your dad was showing you. He sounds like an amazing man and father.
I often wonder what God is thinking as He observes what is going on down here.
I wonder who holds Him when He cries as He holds us when we cry?
God bless.
Hi Karen:
As I began to read today’s devotional, I had to skip through to see who the author was. Such imagery! So beautifully written!
As I read, I sat in awe of our Creator as your words came to life and everything was so easy to visualize. God has given you an amazing talent to write. I praise Him for His beautiful creation.
May God bless you, Karen, as you write for Him. I hope to see more of your writings.
(ON, Canada)
Thanks for sharing such vivid beautiful memories. I felt like I was there!
It’s refreshing to hear you write with great respect of your earthly Father, and also of your Heavenly Father. You are an incredible, gifted writer!