No More Teachers, No More Books

Summer is here, and that means it’s time to break out the flip-flops, sunscreen, and charcoal. What do you enjoy most about this time of the year? Baseball games and family hikes. Afternoon drives and trips to local ice-cream places. Pool parties and trips to down to the Jersey Shore. Cold drinks, yard games, and summer BBQ’s.  Summer is definitely my favorite season of the year.  It provides us with ample opportunity to step outside and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
 
Not too many weeks ago, while taking the dog for a walk, we walked past a beautiful purple flower. I probably would have walked right by and not noticed it myself, but Buddy stopped in his tracks to literally smell the flower. However, this flower wasn’t growing in a pot, front flowerbed of a neighbors' home, or even in woods. It was growing up from in between the concrete sidewalk and black, cracked black-top of a neighbor’s driveway. Somehow, in the middle of that gritty high-traffic area, this flower had been able to take root, grow, and thrive in the midst of less-than-idea circumstance.  In spite of the hot, steamy surroundings, this unknown purple flower (probably a glorified weed), stood out with beautiful color.  I only noticed it on that one walk; it was gone the next time we went by. But it caught my attention long enough to stop our stroll and enjoy.      
 
There is beauty in the world right around us, and sometimes we don’t even realize it. Walking down the street there are signs of God’s creation growing at our feet. Whether we are in the city or the country, the suburbs or the farm, God’s creation envelopes us every day. The heart of summer is a wonderful time to experience the Creator. We feel the summer sun, the heat, and remember how God created “the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night.” We see and smell the deep green vegetation around us and enjoy the produce of planted vegetable or fruit gardens.  Indeed, God has provided all we need. We see deer scampering in the fields, encounter fox or groundhogs in backyards, and hear the twitter of birds; we feel ourselves surrounded by all creatures great and small. We feel the cool water of the pool, the lake, the hose, or the stream and know that God has washed us in living waters. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1f) Step outside this summer. Breathe in the fresh air. Appreciate what is around you. This is the handiwork of the Creator. All of creation testifies, “God did this!”
 
“When I look at God’s beautiful creation, I am reminded that since He is powerful enough to do that, then I can trust Him with my life as well.”