In Awe of God
Beauty in Life, Part 2 (Summer 2021 Series)
In the beginning, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
Psalm 102:25
When you see that sunset or that panoramic view of God’s finest expressed in nature, and the beauty just takes your breath away, remember it is just a glimpse of what the real thing that awaits you in heaven.
Greg Laurie
Just this past week, my husband and I returned from an overnight at an elegant Bed and Breakfast. Everything was perfect from the Victorian paintings on the wall to the open masonry and exposed beams in our room. The bed was so comfortable; it felt like we were sleeping on a cloud.
In the morning, we entered “The Gathering Room”. Our room number was written on a small board and placed at a table to indicate that this table was just for us. We were served the best bakery items in the area, along with yogurt, granola, coffee or tea, hard boiled eggs, and fresh fruit. The table was set with intention, as each dish was placed on a doily and antique cloth napkins were wrapped tightly around each silverware set.
During the day, we walked around the small town that felt like we had just stepped into a Hallmark movie. Everything was within walking distance of our bed and breakfast. I honestly didn’t think such a place existed, but this particular town clearly prided themselves on detail and creating an old-town European elegance.
Flowers of every color lined the street. There were hanging planters and well-manicured flowers that lined the outside of picket fences. A large creek that could have passed for a river, lined the backside of the shops and restaurants. We sat and dined at a particular outdoor restaurant where we ate right next to a small waterfall.
Caramel apples and chocolates were displayed in a storefront window. We were drawn in immediately, as it appealed to our senses. We were easily swayed to try out the delicious goodies. Small shops and restaurants lined the entire street for blocks. Our eyes couldn’t keep up with all there was to look at- there was an exquisite attention to detail everywhere we looked.
Beyond the small town, a large bike and hiking trail went on for miles connecting towns, as it weaved throughout the countryside. My husband and I had made specific plans to try out this bike trail by bringing our bikes along. We had never gone on a bike ride together (hard to believe after 9 years!), and we were excited to have a new adventure as a married couple.
We biked through beautiful grasslands, wooded areas, and small neighborhoods, then towns, and eventually all the way to one of the Great Lakes and then back to our small-town bed and breakfast. It felt like we were kids again- exploring and appreciating something new.
We only stayed one night in this beautiful place, but it was well worth it. It was one of those experiences where I was so taken aback by the beauty and detail of it all that I could only thank and praise God for creating such a magical place. I was left breathless. I could only say, Wow, God!
This experience was something I’ll treasure for a long time. Not only was it quality-time with my spouse, but it was an opportunity to appreciate how wonderful our God is. To have an experience that really played to all five of my senses is such a blessing and a gift from the Lord.
Honestly, who is like our God?!
To have a God who creates such places leaves me in awe of His majesty and glory. No person or thing can create such splendor like our God.
Even in the small town where shops and restaurants lined the street, each store owner possessed such exceptional gifts and talents. From the woman who collects antiques and runs her own business to the bakers that presented some of the best baked goods I’ve ever had in my life. God created so much diversity in our talents and interests to bring glory to Himself. I love seeing glimpses of who God is in all that He has created in this world. He’s amazing!
And then to take in such beautiful sights on our bike ride. The Great Lakes of the Midwest can look like an ocean! The grasslands flowing like waves with the wind is so soothing. Even to hear our bikes ride over a wooden bridge is something to appreciate. There’s diversity in what we hear- how cool is that?
I love it when God can still surprise us with his brilliance! Have you ever had an experience that left you breathless (in a good way)?
Maybe God left you simply saying, Wow God! Our world is so large, and yet our God is bigger and grander than anything in this world.
Let us continue to praise and worship the Lord, for He is good!
Thank you for sharing. I appreciated your rich and detailed description. God is so good.
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