I believe what happens in the Fall season, provides us proof that God created the heavens and the earth. I believe God gives us many gifts and one of those gifts is the beauty found in nature, and not only that natural beauty, but also our ability to SEE that beauty. Why is nature so beautiful? If all of nature just happened by chance, then why didn’t it just turn out drab? Did nature have to turn out beautiful like it is? Why are there so many beautiful colors in all the species of flowers? Why does the Fall season happen the way it does? Did the leaves have to turn many beautiful vivid colors? As we drive the roads of Massachusetts in October we see hundreds of shades of blood orange, red, bright yellow, and rust, mixed in with the evergreens. The air is crisp and beauty is all around. God is present in all this for me.
I find it impossible to believe that all the fall foliage beauty happens by chance. It is the result of intelligent design, by a God who appreciates beauty and gives this beauty to be enjoyed by His children. Genesis 2:8-9 tells us, “Then God planted a garden in Eden, in the east. He put the Man he had just made in it. God made all kinds of trees grow from the ground, trees beautiful to look at and good to eat.”
Did God have to make nature look so beautiful? I don’t think so. I think God could have made our surroundings drab, but instead God made nature colorful for our enjoyment. We humans like to live in nice places. Isn’t that why all the home improvement stores do so much business? Let me ask: Do you find God in creation? Do you ever feel closer to God by spending time in nature? I think the answers to both of these questions are yes and yes! God has made the mountains, stars in the sky, the ocean waves, the beautiful beaches, and so many varieties of birds, animals, and flowers. The list could go on and on. My dad taught me that when we are outside in nature, we can feel closer to God. We can feel that God is right there with us.
I am reminded of Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.”
Being in nature and seeing everything God has created is one way that God can speak to us. Many of us have experienced this connection and we realize how great it is. Thank you Father, for Autumn in New England. It is a beautiful place to be!
It is so good to be your pastor!
In The Lord’s service till the last fish is caught, <><
Pastor Chris
