This and the next issue of Creation’s Corner is by you, members of TLC, describing how you are and have been blessed by Creation’s extravagant beauty.
Dwight and Judy Smith: We just returned from a 4000-mile road trip where we saw amazing sites at Arches and Bryce Canyon, UT and Sedona, AZ. We relished all the changes of leaves in the trees, colors, patterns, rock formations and so much more. Our eyes were opened continually as we went through different weather systems and delighted in this amazing country we call home. The above photo was taken by Dwight and Judy Smith at Sedona, on their recent road trip.
Barbara Bennett: Have I been blessed this year by God’s awesome creation…. YES, ALWAYS, YES!!! I am constantly grateful for the unexpected beauty and majesty of our island home, visible at every bend of any road on the island. I am humbled, awed and fascinated by God’s creation on lavish display here in the Salish Sea. As I learn about our natural surroundings, my appreciation grows and I am drawn to think beyond the demands and routines of my daily life.
For example, as I recently slogged through the pre-Christmas off-island traffic into the neon and noise of a shopping town, I was delighted to see rippling ribbons of geese silhouetted against the gray sky. The sight of hundreds of flapping wings carried my creative poetic thoughts to the “Travels of Geese”:
When the fall air is crisp and clouds fill the sky
And winds push steadily south,
Geese turn away from used arctic nests and ride the high winds to wintering grounds along the Salish Sea.
If you’re lucky, you will see them in long ribbons of flapping wings,
Just below the clouds, skirting over peaks and along valleys.
Though they will be too high to hear, they will be calling to each other in their journey –
They encourage each other all along the way.
Geese of all ages fly with their relatives.
The young only know to follow their elders.
Elders only know to follow (and teach) the route learned from generations before.
Through time immemorial the knowledge of this way has passed from one generation to the next.
How remarkable for them to know the timing of their migration,
How awesome for them to find the way despite changes along the path,
How remarkably tender for them to encourage one another as they fly,
And how far beyond the creative capacity of we humans are each of these wonders.
As I waited at a stoplight, I contemplated the Travels of Geese and praised God.
If you have been blessed by the above words and thoughts by your friends who also worship at Trinity Lutheran church, perhaps you have your own story to tell and would be willing to share it for another future edition of Creations Corner. Let’s continue this new tradition. We are waiting with eager expectation to hear your story!
Our Prayer: Lord, you have asked us to “look at the birds of the air…” and Scripture states that “the heavens declare the glory of God”. How amazing is your Creation Lord! We pray that you will daily open our eyes and ears to your magnificence displayed on the canvas of Creation’s glory – and each day draw us closer to you. Amen.
Thanks for caring!
— Joe Sheldon
Direct comments and your stories to Joe Sheldon at jksheldon43@gmail.com
