I had the opportunity earlier this week to drive from Beaverlodge, Alberta back home to Oliver via Jasper National Park. Early in the morning I headed south on highway 40, the sun was brilliant, the blue sky was clear expect for the occasional fluffy, white cloud. It was quiet on the road, a perfect setting to reflect on the beauty of creation; the majesty of our Creator.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1)
Surrounded by towering pine trees, and rolling hills, the horizon soon opened up to reveal the snow-capped Rockies; God's creation was indeed proclaiming the praise of the Creator. A moose, tall and majestic cautiously crossed in front me; later two bears scurried along the edge of the forest. The words
to the song This Is My Father's World came to mind.
This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres
This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas--His hands the wonders wrought
This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise
This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere
The drive through Jasper National Park was breath-taking! I was surrounded by mountain peaks and beautiful lakes, rushing mountains streams and God's creatures enjoying the morning sun! An eagle soared above, bighorn sheep were grazing on the a the moutainside and young male moose captured the attention of many who passed along the road.
Rarely do I get long hours of solitude as I had that day. Worship songs were playing and I had time alone with our God; time to pray and listen and reflect. I found myself dwelling agian on the words of David is Psalm 8: When I consider you heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. (Psalm 8:3-5)
Somehow I sensed the smile of God; one of His children was enjoying the beauty of the world, just as He intended. To think that the Creator of this world would take notice, would care of me...like David I was lost in the wonder and awe of such a thought.
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy pow'r thro'out the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; how great Thou art, how great Thou art!
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1)