In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And God said, “Let there be light,†and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,†and the darkness he called “night.†And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.†So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. And it was so. God called the expanse “sky.†And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.
And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.†And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,†and the gathered waters he called “seas.†And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:1-10 (NIV)
It is hurricane season here on the Gulf Coast again. So far, we have had only a tropical storm dump several inches of rain. Now we have Hurricane Gustav beginning his path into the Gulf and we will see where he will go.
I remember the first time I saw the ocean. I remember the first time I saw Niagara Falls. I haven’t seen the Grand Canyon – yet – or a whale splash off the coast of Alaska – but, Lord, willing, I will. Whether it is an expanse of ocean or the tiny details of a flower – I am awed by our Creator God. And God made it for me – for us. Do you accept that? God made it…for me. For you.
After creating us in His image, He gave us stewardship over the creatures and the vegetation. (Genesis 1:26-31) I noticed that this stewardship was not over wind and rain and the heavens. Hmmm. I would have to say that the recent events, including hurricanes, have made me more conscious of the need to be wiser in my stewardship. Instead of just USING the creation, there is a good point to USE but not ABUSE. Do I think about using recycled wood? Do I think about how I can make choices that will conserve gas; conserve energy. It is looking at God’s creation and asking Him, “How do You want me to steward what You have given me, Lord�
Today and through the weekend, I will be asking God for His mercy and grace over the many who may be in harm’s way. I will be asking God for His forgiveness of my – lackadaisical – ambivalent – attitude toward ALL that He has created. May my eyes be open to receive the beauty and wonder of His creation and be obedient in the way that I use what God has given me. May I take time to look at the birds of the air, the clouds in His blue sky, and His sunrises and sunsets that are so uniquely beautiful each and every day. How extravagant is the love of my Father!
