"This is what God the Lord says - he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk in it: 'I , the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open the eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.' " (Isaiah 42: 5-7)
Have you ever taken one of those career/interest tests? I have taken only one that I can remember. It happened when I was in the eighth grade. The various questions on the test were designed to reveal the careers especially suited for me. For some reason I can remember the results quite clearly. First of all, my interest or compatibility for clerical work was .75% . On the other end of the scale, my interest in all things creative/artistic was 98%. The test also revealed a high interest in the outdoors. Suggested career paths included interior designer/ architect or a park ranger.
Although that test was years ago, it still accurately reflects my interests. I actually became an interior designer and still love to be outside. The season or time of year does not matter. To be outside for me is to be closer to the Creator. A love for Creation and its beauty was instilled in me by my dear father. Whenever we went camping my father used share the wonder of the natural world. He taught me how to identify different trees, how to find crayfish, and how to skip a rock. We spent time looking at the big picture of Creation but then also the small picture. A magnifying glass revealed the beauty of the underside of a leaf or wild mushroom. In many ways my father became a child as he enthusiastically shared his love of nature with me. His enthusiasm was contagious.
Today I try to observe the natural world daily. When I walk, I breath deeply of the fresh air. I observe the lacy elegance of a leafless tree against a blue sky in winter while I marvel at the rich green of leaves below a cloudless sky in the summer. A low harvest moon delights the eyes as well as the first fresh greens of spring. Every season has its beauty. Every sight serves to refresh the soul. No matter what time of year, the created world shouts out the truth of a Creator.
Do you need your soul refreshed? Take some time and go for a walk in your Father's creation. His very nature and eternal power are clearly shown if you open your eyes and look. Be encouraged that the God who made all that you see knows you. He knows your name. He knows your heartaches. He is calling you to Himself to be refreshed and renewed. Breath in deeply. The air is good.
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood by what is made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)
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