The Great Outdoors

O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!

Our oldest son, Donnie, discovered a love for the outdoors at a young age. Whether it was BMX biking and racing, snowboarding with friends, ice fishing, or hunting every fall with his grandpa, Donnie would always choose to be outdoors rather than inside. We encouraged him from a young age to try new things, from football to lacrosse, and he found that he loved them all.

Donnie’s life was a bit chaotic as a child before he came to live with us at eight years old, and we could see how his growing interest in outdoor activities brought a calmness and stability to his life like little else did. It’s a passion my husband and I have seen and encouraged over the years. What started as simple activities have now become interests that he engages in often as a young adult, inciting a love for the outdoors in others, teaching friends how to snowboard or fish, making plans to visit mountains and try new diversions. As a parent, it’s encouraging to see how God’s creation brings purpose and peace to his life.

Are you drawn to the outdoors too? Sometimes people will make us feel like God and his Spirit are found only in a church building or during a service, but that isn’t true. Scripture reminds us repeatedly that God’s strong hand created the heavens and earth. Just stand before a mountain or look out over the vastness of the sea, and you will find yourself in awe of God and his creation. There is nothing he cannot do! There is no place his Spirit cannot go, and if we pay attention, we’ll see creation bringing glory to God simply by being. The earth and all that’s in it are alive because of God, and I am so grateful for the glory we can find.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

What outside activity do you enjoy? The next time you are engaged in it, take a few moments to notice and thank God for the beauty and power displayed in his creation.