Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”
What marks springtime for you? What is your sure-sign that spring has arrived? When I spot the tulips blooming in my yard with the daffodils close behind, I know spring is here. The bright red and yellow flowers seem to invite a pause and share a spark of hope. It’s the sign for me to clear the garden beds to ready for planting. It’s also time to find my flip flops. These flowers are not only a sign of spring, to me they are a reminder of God’s faithfulness. Every. Single. Time. Spring will follow winter. The season of bareness and cold always ends (unless you live in the Artic). The bulbs buried a foot underground burst open and climb to the surface to show you: just like the seasons, you can rely on a faithful God.
There is another natural sign that points my thoughts in the direction of the Creator. When winter’s chill arrives and the first snowflakes fall, I am reminded of the tremendous lavishness of God’s creative nature. Catching the little white flakes on my mittens and observing their patterns, leaves me a little in awe. The extravagance of snow- each flake is a beautiful one-of-a-kind shimmering artwork piece- falling all around in countless crystals. Who is our Creator to fashion such a showcase of art (most we won’t see)?
As I pondered how I see God in creation, spring flowers and snowflakes quickly came to mind. Then I wondered Is there a specific area in each season that reminds me of His eternal power? There is! In summer I am reminded of the nearness of the Spirit when I see the spritely zip of a hummingbird. Those quick fairy, green wings on the bird remind me of the melancholy day I sat on my parent’s deck trying to form words in prayer. I rested in a deck chair next to a pot of assorted flowers. Up popped a hummingbird, silently coming for a drink at the flowers near me. I heard a voice inside my heart say that I wasn’t alone…my attempts at prayer were heard and answered. Today, the amazing bird still reminds my heart that even my weakest prayer is considered and answered.
What about autumn? It’s the fiery red and orange of the maple trees when the leaves turn from green to show-stopping colors that points my heart to Him. It’s hard to know exactly what I understand about God through the maple tree. Perhaps it is: God is not tame. We see in creation He established order and cycles. However, we can easily be convinced that He is not mild. The trees in their splendid fall glow point to the wildness of our Creator.
I hope that as you read my season signals of God’s nearness, some of your own came to mind. Where do you see glimpses of the richness and wonder of the Holy in creation? Can you think of one for each season?
-Kassie Joy
