My bride and I enjoyed a pleasant Memorial Day Weekend in Washington State. We stayed in a boutique hotel in the Fairhaven neighborhood of Bellingham. The hotel was situated just above Bellingham Bay. Our room’s large picture window and oversized window seat created the ideal place to sit, read, think, and pray morning, noon, and night. 

We were less than an hour’s drive to Mount Baker and its snow-capped peak. The hiking trails, streams, and rivers were beautiful and refreshing. We enjoyed our time so much that we started planning a return trip to the area for next summer. We found a few Air BNB homes to rent where we could invite family members to join us. 

This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas—
His hand the wonders wrought.
(This Is My Father’s World, written by Maltbie D. Babcock 1901, TERRA BEATA)

What a delight it is to find beautiful places for peaceful retreats. So much happiness comes to our bodies and souls when we enjoy the great outdoors of our Father in heaven’s creation. Such places remind us just how good God is, how detailed is his creativity, how expressive is his loving nature.

When the lens is reversed, what is beautiful and wonderful to God? Eugene Peterson paraphrases it so well with these words: 

Today is Sunday, a day of worship and rest. It is the first day of the week. It is the day that reminds us that every day is a unique creation of God to live in joyful communion and fruitful activity under his direction and in his company. Today is a day to call to mind that what God looks for in us. He is looking for men and women who are humble, submissive, and reverent. 

Humility comes easy when we remember who God is and what he has done, is doing, and has promised. Submissiveness is not a problem for those who see God for who he is and us for what we are not. Reverence is refreshing and easy when we acknowledge that every word of God proves true and every promise of God is kept. 

Today is a good day to begin forming a new habit. Today is a good day to reverently respond to what God says. 

This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The LORD is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

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I will live humbly, submissively, and reverently with joy.

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