Ministry Musing

By Donna Kelly

This morning as I was experiencing my quiet time, I was reading from a book by Barbara Brown Taylor, “An Altar in the World.” In it, she reminds us that the entire world is a cathedral where we can worship and experience God.

She talked about a walk she took on the island of Hawaii where she encountered the power of the crashing ocean waves and the still quietness of a tide pool, and how she felt the presence of God in both.

I began to think of the times I have experienced the beauty, majesty, and nearness of God in nature. I remember how I feel when in spring, the buds on the trees begin to open and the trees and bushes are filled with ‘baby’ leaves. They are such a reminder that God is near and renewing the world as promised. Or standing at the edge of the Pacific ocean and watching the waves roll in and out, time after time and recalling how as my life ebbs and flows, God is always near, walking with me.

Moving quietly as the snow swirls around me reminds me that God surrounds me with love and grace always. Seeing a magnificent sunrise or sunset, fills my heart to overflowing and all I can do is whisper “thank you Lord.” Sitting quietly outside and witnessing the beauty of the night sky filled with stars puts me in awe of God’s creation, and brings me a peace that fills me to overflowing.

So often we tend to think that we meet God at the church building or in a Bible study, or other gathering inside our buildings. Just as the Jewish people in Jesus’ time believed that the place to find God was at the Temple, we tend to expect to meet God at “church.”

But I encourage you as well to step out into God’s world and be awestruck by the beauty of creation. Get lost in God’s handiwork and sense God’s presence as you are surrounded by beauty, love, and grace. Then worship this God of love, with all of you heart and soul. You may find a renewal of faith, intimacy, and joy that only connecting with God can bring.

Donna

Contact Donna at Donna at: donna@sotpmail.com