God created a big beautiful, intricate and amazing world. I think besides being incredibly creative, God was thinking of us when He created the world. I think He takes delight in watching us enjoy and discover His beautiful world – much like we take delight in our toddlers when they discover something for the first time.
In fact, if you want a new appreciation for the world, take a little one for a walk. Of course be sure you have lots of time because you won’t be walking fast; still take your time, slow your pace and watch their delight as they notice the ants crawling by the side of the road, the puddles after it rains, the dogs barking, the dandelions and numerous other things with joy. For a toddler, all of these things are new and wonderful. As adults we often lose that sense of wonder and discovery. The dandelion is no longer a beautiful yellow flower or a wish to blow away, it’s a weed to get rid of. The dog barking is no longer a wonderful animal, it’s a nuisance and the ants – they are insignificant and also a nuisance. The puddles are to be avoided and the other truly beautiful things in the world, we are too busy to notice.
Perhaps that is one blessing of Covid 19 and of being quarantined, we now have time to walk and hopefully we are also taking time to enjoy the world around us. Let’s take advantage of getting out in God’s beautiful world. Walking is good exercise. It’s also a good time to pray for your neighborhood and it’s good for our soul when we look, smell and enjoy all that is around us.
In my neighborhood, I’ve seen beautiful tulips, rhododendrons about ready to burst into bloom, camelias, hyacinths and lilacs. I’ve smelled the sweet scent of lilacs and lavender and I’ve heard the songs of blue jays, robins and other birds. I’ve watched bunnies hopping about and squirrels chattering as they dash from place to place. I’ve seen and greeted families walking from a safe distance of course and watched as lawns are mowed and gardens planted. I’ve looked out my window at beautiful red sunsets and marveled at the golden moonlight and the stars overhead.
Yes, I am enjoying God’s world and refreshing my soul in the process. I hope you too can get out in the world and enjoy right now. Spring is a great time to get outside and enjoy. Thank God for the world He created and thank God for making you too. He made you in an amazing and wonderful way. He gave you ears to hear, eyes to see, a nose to smell, a brain to think, to love and be creative. You are amazing because God made you that way.
ENJOYING OUR WORLD (For Families)
- Some parks and trails are closed right now, but there are still plenty of ways to get out and enjoy nature – How about in your own backyard?
- Take a walk – I’ve enjoyed walking around my neighborhood and enjoying the flowers that are blooming, the trees that are blossoming and a view of the mountains in the distance. Beautiful!
- So we’re quarantined, but most of us still make trips to the grocery store – how about varying your route to the store and exploring a street or scenic drive by your house. It’s a way of exploring God’s world.
- Don’t forget, you can plant some seeds – indoors or out and watch them grow. Involve your kids in the process so they can see the beauty of life springing up from a tiny seed. If you grow your veggies, they are organic and very healthy and fresh!
CARING FOR GOD’S WORLD
- Take plastic gloves with you when walking and a bag to pick up trash.
- Caring for our world means caring for pets and neighbors too – Encourage kids to help. Even young children can help brush or feed a pet – you may have to clean up after they help, but it’s still well worth the effort.
- Try to be environmentally friendly – use reusable bags at the grocery store, recycle, turn lights and water off when you are not using them.
- Compost grass clippings and vegetable waste.
- Use LED light bulbs.
- Buy local when you can.
- Consume less and share more! Share with others – share clothes your kids have outgrown, if you have a garden – share with your neighbors, swap out things you no longer want or need with someone else. Yes, you can do these things and still maintain social distancing protocol.
- Plant a tree. Yes, you can involve your family in helping with this and other ways of caring for God’s world. Young children will enjoy helping plant a tree – or even some seeds indoors. Young children can share and care for others and they can care for God’s world. Be creative and care for God’s world.
PARENT OR GRANDPARENT PRAYER:
Dear God,
Thank you for the world you created and thank you for making me. You made such a beautiful, amazing world. Help me to do my part to care for the world you made. Show me ways to honor you and honor others. Show me ways to pause and enjoy all that you made, to travel at creation and to give thanks. You not only created me to enjoy your world, but you created me to have relationship with you and be part of your family. God you are good and your love is forever. Show me ways to encourage my kids to be in awe of all that you have done. Amen
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH YOUR CHILD?
SHARE A STORY:
God made day and God made night. – (Stretch and pretend to rest.)
He made the moon and stars so bright. – (Reach up high in the sky.)
He made the sky, the clouds floating by, – (Wave arms gently.)
He made the sea, oh me, oh my! –
(Make waves with hands and look surprised.)
He made the land for plants to grow, – (Push tips of fingers through the fingers of your other hand as though a plant is growing.)
Trees and flowers grow high and low. –
(Reach high and bend down low.)
He made fish, birds and animals of every size and shape. –
(Put hands together like a fish. Flap arms like a bird.)
At the zoo, I like to watch the monkeys and the great big ape. –
(Say, “Oo! Oo!”)
Then when God was finished with all of His creating,
He set aside a day for resting and celebrating. – (Say, “Yeah God!”)
Yes, God created everything, but this one thing I know, –
(Put up one finger.)
God made you special because He loves you so. – (Give self a hug.)
Let’s thank God for all that He made.
PRAYER:
Dear God,
Thank you for all that you made. I’m glad you made the world and that you made me. Help me take good care of my pets and the world that you made. Amen
MEMORIZE:
Psalm 139:14 NIrV – (Hold hands as though holding a book.)
How you – (Point upwards.)
Made me – (Point to self)
Is amazing – (Hold up closed fists then open hands wide.)
And wonderful – (Jump up and down with hands in the air.)
THE MAIN IDEA
KNOW: God did a good job when He made everything.
TALK ABOUT: What God made?
ASK: Who made you? God made me.
AND DO: I can care for God’s world.
Look at pictures of when your child was a baby. Talk about how wonderfully made he/she is.
Faith Steps and More 