God is the Master Painter

We have been reading Psalms as a family this summer and it has been an awesome time, despite the boys’ protests about getting up so early. One amazing part of the songs in Psalms is the reference to the natural world:

deer by the water,

pastures

still waters

raging seas

storms

clouds

streams

trees

The list goes on and on. Then, if you will thumb through the teachings of Jesus found in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus references the natural world on a regular basis using mustard seeds, pigs, rivers, clouds, vines, sheep and goats as tools to teach.

I think that there is something foundationally important to getting dirty breathing in clean air, hearing nothing mechanical, where we are not able to manipulate but are at the mercy of the elements around us. We went on a hike up on Mt. Tamalpais a few weeks ago. During the two hour hike we were in meadows, creek beds, conifer forests, and open fields. The short time there out of the fog was amazingly therapeutic. The great benefit of San Francisco is that you do not need a car to find these wondrous spots.

Land’s End, the Presidio, and Golden Gate Park are all large enough to get away from the hustle and bustle and find quiet. Like Elijah waiting in the cave, or David in the green pasture, we can sense God’s presence in a different way in a natural setting. I encourage you to take time on a regular basis to experience God’s creation. Go for a hike, take a walk and listen, read Psalm 23 first or Genesis 1 for that matter. Look and see what the Lord has done; it is good.

This Saturday we will meet at the Arboretum in Golden Gate Park for a time of prayer and listening designed by Neal Bishop. Neal spends his days making beautiful things out of natural materials. He has designed a walk inspired by the Stations of the Cross traditionally practiced during Holy Week. We will walk in the Arboretum, pray and listen for God’s General Revelation to teach us and point us towards Him.

If you can’t join us I will post the directions after Saturday’s walk. They have been modified slightly since Neal offered them in Easter 2008. Thanks Neal for allowing us to share in your creative vision.

Peace

Edwin