(Actually written July 9th - I don't know how to back-date these things yet.)
Traci and I had a few hours today to take a break from our normal routine, so we went to the beach. It's one of our favorite places to go and just enjoy God's creation and let go of the task list. As we sat in our chairs, looked out over the water, felt the breeze, and watched the waves rolling in, I was struck by the contrast between two of His creatures.
The first was a pack of birds. They walked around the beach seeming to just be enjoying the day. Nothing really bothered them until a child decided to throw a shovel full of sand over his shoulder and almost hit them with it. I watched one of the birds gliding effortlessly while the breeze lifted it up. Flapping was an unnecessary movement as the gusts of wind provided the necessary movement and a properly positioned wing provided the necessary lift. It was a beautiful sight to see. I almost envied those creatures who can lift themselves above the ground to survey all of His Creation without the aid of additional contraptions.
The second was a little girl named "Biaka." (sp?) It was an interesting name I found out because I asked her mom. (I thought I heard her mom call her "Becca.") Anyway, her mom informed me that she was two years old. I know enough about children now that I probably could have guessed. The tell-tale sign was the mom -vs- child standoff that took place near the water's edge. Mom wanted to show her little girl how to build a sand castle using one of the several plastic buckets they had to play with. Daughter was not interested in building a sand castle at that moment. She had already learned that she could fill her plastic bucket with water, carry it up the beach about 10 yards, then dump it in just the right spot waiting to receive the bucket of water. Mom would say something like, "Come here. Let me show you." Daughter would say, "No! Water." then walk down the beach to fill her bucket again.
It made me think... How many times does God try to provide me everything I need (like the breeze to keep me cool), and I end up wanting something other than what He gave me (like wings to fly)? How many times does He try to show me something I've never experienced before (like building a sand castle) and I tell Him, "No!" because I'm so busy doing this incredibly important job I figured out how to do?
Walking with God really is much easier than I make it. All I need to do is thank Him for what He gives me, tend and care for it, and listen to what He's trying to teach me. I think that's what I'm going to start doing. Oh, wait a minute. I've got something important to do first...
I heard today that some people from Haiti visited our country and was asked what was the most odd or confusing thing to them while here. They said, "Landscaping!" Why Landscaping? He answered, "You work so hard for something you don't harvest." Have we ever thought about planting corn in our yards around our homes? (we'll if you live in Indiana, most people have corn close by) but seriously... it made me think of the same thing.
ReplyDeletePeople put so much time, effort and money into something that is of almost no purpose. Sure it looks good and is great to play on but is it neccessary? Now I have an apartment and don't bother with lawn care but I do spend my time on things that are not God focused. I'm going to start putting more effort and thought into growning what CAN be harvested, like PEOPLE.
4 Him! Jeni