“And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow
every tree that is pleasant to the sight…” Genesis 2:9a
Its obvious fall is upon us and isn’t it exciting? The cooler temperatures, bright pumpkins, changing leaves, and colorful flowers definitely give it away. However, this lovely season, which comes and goes every calendar year, is so commonly beautiful and fantastic, we can often miss the grandeur of it. Many people take time to stop and observe the fall foliage—taking weekend drives, extended vacations and trips around the world. Even the best photographers try their best to catch the vibrancy of the most beautiful scenery. While it’s normal to focus on the fabulous and spectacular views of God’s creation, we can overlook smaller observations that bring intrigue to the average, everyday moments and places?
Sometimes we miss the simple things because they’re too close to us. The intricate details of flowers and faces slip by because we’re so honed in on where we’re going or what we’re doing that we take the familiar for granted.
Recently, my friend and I went on a weekend trip. Since the place was new to us, I yearned to take in the small details of our experience. I noticed the older buildings, the signage, the crops, the people and the thriving flowers. While I took in the new sights, sounds, smells, and tastes, the Black-eyed Susans stood out to me the most. Maybe it’s because of their brilliant, cheery, yellow color or because they seem to wave at me from every field, path and roadway. I don’t know why they’ve caught my attention more this year than any other, but they’ve made my heart happy.
Overlooking the Obvious
It’s enjoyable to watch nature change each day. I love standing still and staring at flowers while getting lost in the majesty of the season’s rich displays. Unfortunately, I’m not always observant of what’s around me. Sometimes I’m far away in deep thought or distracted by what is pressing at the moment. This is my loss.
The colorful changes of this season are fleeting. If we overlook them, we miss out. This is the cycle of life…here one minute, gone the next. That’s why we have to open our eyes to what is before us today. Harvest only comes for a short time and is unique each year. If we don’t enjoy it when it comes, the beauty slips past us.
Observing the Obvious
God didn’t just create plants to provide food for us. He also created them to be pleasant to our eyes. (Didn’t He do a creatively, awesome job with that?) It truly is a shame to let these beautiful gifts go by unnoticed because we are too distracted to observe what is all around us.
Observing creation is another way to learn more about the Creator. When we observe the work of any artist, and see and study their detailed handiwork, we begin to understand and appreciate them better and become closer to the real heart of who they are.
So, stop and pick, or take a pic of the flowers. I think God would like that.
“These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth
when they were created,
in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
And every plant of the field before it was in the earth…” Genesis 2:4-5a
Bring It Home
Do you observe or overlook nature’s beauty? What stands out to you?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
Karen says
Hi Beth. I really enjoyed your post and related to it. Nature is my ‘go to’ place each day to refresh and rejuvenate and your words and scripture verses blessed me.
Beth Rayann Corder says
Thank you Karen.
Nature is another passion we share.
?Smiles, BRC