It seemed to take only a matter of moments for our Scout troop to get safely across the swaying footbridge and onto solid ground on the other side of the river. Our scoutmaster looked over his should several times to make certain each of us had made it safely. We then followed him as he led off into the darkness, following a narrow trail in the deep snow. Within a short time most of us were huffing and puffing beneath the heavy packs we carried on our backs. As I looked forward over the shoulders of the fellow in front of me, I could see streams of vapor ascending into the cold, dark night air as we exhaled. Hey! It might be cold but this was going to be fun!
Conversation slowed as we trudged along the snowy trail, our boots squeaking appropriately in the cold snow that was a good two feet deep around us. I glanced up into the dark sky and, even as a young boy, marveled at the sight. All around us the dark, tree-covered mountains framed a moonless sky that was filled with a mass of stars. What a sight to witness!
On numerous occasions during my lifetime I have stood in awe beneath a night sky, literally amazed at the beauty and incomprehensible size of God’s creation. To glimpse even a small portion of such a sight, while trying to understand the reality of the fact the God loves me, causes me to shake my head in wonder. I think the writer of Psalms may have felt that way at times. In chapter 8 he wrote: “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?”
You know something? He does care for us! Sure, He does!
If you have not been out on a cloudless night, far from man-made light, to view God’s creation first-hand…..do it soon! You will be glad you did.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the beauty of this world in which we live. Thank you for the exquisite splendor and magnificence of your creation that goes beyond anything humans could ever fabricate. Thank you, Lord, for this gift you have given us. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Pastor Bill
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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