For
you will go out with joy
And
be led forth with peace;
The
mountains and the hills will break forth
into shouts of joy before you.
into shouts of joy before you.
And
all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Isaiah
55v12
What
does it mean for a mountain to shout?
Does a hallowing wind blow between cliff and ravine causing sounds to
echo? Do birds fly in large flocks with
beating wings reverberating between mountainous peaks? Do mountains actually make noise as easily as
rocks pour forth water? Are we called to
do more than enjoy the beauty of God’s creation? Are we called to rule over the
very mountains, hills, trees, and fields?
I
believe we are. The world was given to
us in Genesis and even though we broke it, it is still ours. As any child is given responsibility to feed a
pet, or put up toys, we are responsible for the earth. It is a gift from the Great King, and as His
children we have responsibility beyond enjoying the gift.
I
planted a small garden in the backyard and it produces more cucumbers and
squash that I can eat. So I make soup to
freeze and give as gifts to friends. By
being responsible for a small plot of earth it multiplies the gift and bring
smiles to others. Those that generously share squash soup recipes online participate in my
joy.
A friend
gave me the gift of daylilies to make my yard more beautiful. She brought many
smiles to my face along with hours of gardening therapy to enrich my soul. Her neighbors and mine enjoy the
beauty of flowers we plant in our yards. As the daylilies multiply
I will share them with someone else, bring joy and smiles to another soul.
There is
a large hill behind my house. Although it has never shouted, it does bring me
joy. Staring at the trees bending in the
breeze and listening to the birds sing, brings peace to my soul. At the end of a long day there is my peaceful
patio waiting to offer solace and a glimpse of the abundant generosity of God.
God has
given us so much in this rich and abundant earth. How much can we give others by being
responsible children, taking care of our gift, and sharing it with others?
Dear
Lord, never let me take the beauty of nature for granted. Help me find ways to share that beauty with
others. Show me how to be a more
responsible child.
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