Friday, October 20, 2006

Dearest God,

What if everything stopped doing what it was designed to do? Mountains refuse to stay in place. Water moves beyond its boundaries. Food stops growing. The sun withholds its light. And every day is dark, black as night. All things would cease to exist.

By contrast how rich and beautiful is life when all things live out their purpose. The daily rhythms flow and yield and the beauty of creation displays itself, pointing to its Creator. And joy is born.

I went to an apple orchard late in the afternoon. Some friends joined my hubby and me. The apple trees had pretty much given all they could. We found most of the apples high in the trees. We plucked an apple here and another there, tasting this one, then that variety. Juicy, luscious, delicious red apples, the taste of Autumn.

When we were about to leave, we stood high on a hill overlooking the valley. We could see for miles. The setting sun spread its rays across the colored hills and we beheld the beauty of God. The sun on its course, the apple trees having given their fruit, the air cooling, the laughter of friends.

As I shined up an Ida Red apple, I held it in my hand, staring at it. It really was a beauty. Its bright red skin against the white white flesh, I was looking at an example of God's created order. The apple tree and its fruit had followed the design of God. As it concludes its fruit bearing time, it will now rest, taking in energy, strengthening its roots during the winter months. And the Spring will bring a new season of growth, a beautiful witness of God.

Source of light and life,
we give thanks for the magnificence
of your creation.
You have provided for your children.
You have made enough food for all.
But there is not enough food for all
when we do not feed one another.
We are designed
to care for one another
just as you care for us.
Help us do our part
graciously,
thankfully.
We owe you everything.

Love always, Andrea