Last Fall I had the opportunity to visit Reality Church in San Francisco. I absolutely loved this church. The vibe, the friendliness, the focus on community and serving, the teaching. The weekend I attended, the Pastor spoke on what our responsibility is as a culture; encouraging us to create culture with what God has given us.
Ex: Nature gives us color – culture gives us art.
I love this thought. I instantly think about leaves. So often I see colors in homes, paintings, clothes, cosmetics and immediately think about nature, the source of the colors. I commented on a green wall color this weekend that caused me to long for Spring when trees will awake from their slumber announcing their arrival with brilliant colors exclaiming to us, “Take notice! I made it through!”
Nature knows nothing else but to forge forward. It is constantly living. Supplying. Growing. Nature is always doing what it does best. What it was created to do.
I understand why people connect with nature so much. It draws our attention to how we were created. The same God that created nature also created us. Did He not make us just as capable, or more, to withstand harsh winters, dry deserts, severe storms? Did He intend for us to wilt and shrink back permanently when treacherous downpours fall on us out of nowhere? If the dirt we walk on can dry up and choose to sprout life again, then surely we can, too.
Sometime this week, take a walk outside. Don’t bring your iPod, phone or anything. Just you and the fresh air and the nature around you. Breathe in the space. And as you look around you at Gods creation, think about what you’re seeing. Reflect on the life, the colors, the process of growth, stability and the fact that nature is always there…pushing through, providing us beauty and inspiration. But, more than anything – giving us reason and hope to bloom, too. I believe this is a gift from God that we might do well to pay more attention to.
[This post was inspired by the Luminous Project. Luminous is an event for creatives on May 9-11, 2012 in Nashville. To find out more, check out LuminousProject.com.]
