There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:2-5

On a recent walk as the sun was going down, I noticed the sounds of the insects beginning to swell. I immediately had a flashback to my experience of totality back in 2017. As the moon began its total eclipse of the sun about 2:30 p.m. that August 21st, the sound of the insects intensified as the world around me began to get darker and darker. My tears began to flow.
 
I had begged Jay to take the road trip to Clemson where we could see the eclipse in full. Though he was initially reluctant, he finally agreed. We were lying in the grass watching this once‑in‑a‑lifetime event happen right before our eyes. When I looked over at him, tears were flowing down his cheeks as well. It was one of the most incredible, powerful, holy moments in God’s creation we have ever experienced.
 
While God instructs us through the book of Scripture, have you ever thought about how He also teaches us through the book of Nature? When we take a walk outside or look up at the moon at night, we begin to realize the vastness of God’s creation, His infinite power, and His incredible creativity. We realize that the world does not need us to keep it running, and our problems shrink in the vastness of it all.
 
I am so thankful to live in the beauty of the forest in Atlanta, especially in this time of year. Every other tree seems to be on fire and on display for the glory of God. I think when I get to heaven I will look around and say, “Wow, this looks a lot like where I lived.” And God will nod and smile. 
 
Take time for a slow walk in the book of Nature today and thank God for His goodness on display for us to see. All of God’s creation is holy ground.

For Reflection

What holy experience in Nature can you recall?
What part of Nature do you delight in?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of seasons, the gift of color, the gift of bright skies and brisk days. Help me to slow down and notice the vast creativity and goodness in Your created order today. In Your son’s name, Amen.