Beauty in the Little Things

Fall in Minnesota is spectacular! I love this time of year. The trees are getting ready to rest for the winter months, and so their beautiful green leaves of spring and summer are becoming vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple. It certainly appears that God loves colors!

So, before you read any further, take a moment to stop and look out the window or better yet, step outside and look around. Whether you are in the country or city, whether it is day or night, God’s amazing creation is all around you. God has certainly created some incredible things…incredibly big things like the sun, the moon, the mountains, the oceans, our earth, and the universe. However, I want you to consider some of the smaller things…the leaves from a tree, the wings of a butterfly, the woolly bear caterpillar, or the perfection of a spider’s web. God doesn’t just “wow” with the big things in creation. He also “wows” with the attention that He gives to even the little things. “O LORD, how many are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” (Psalm 104:24)

I am blessed to send time exploring God’s big and little creations regularly with preschoolers. They see the world from a different vantage point and with a new excitement for things that I may overlook. A few weeks ago, someone shared with us a unique spider that they had discovered that I had never seen before…a pumpkin spider! Wow! What a beautiful little creature! It’s marble sized abdomen looks like a mini orange pumpkin. Watching the little pumpkin with eight legs moving along the leaves and stem of a plant was incredible! I know that spiders are not usually the favorite creatures of most people, but they are such fascinating creatures. Since that day we have be fortunate to discover other pumpkin spiders as we explore the woods along the Minnesota River.

So, I wonder…were the pumpkin spiders always there? Have I been overlooking them? What else am I missing? I know that there are so many things on the earth that I have not seen or experienced because the opportunity to travel hasn’t presented itself yet. But I wonder, what have I been missing in my own backyard, along the path by the lake, or the woods by my house, because I haven’t taken the time to really look at God’s handiwork.

Psalm 46:10 says “Be still, and know that I am God!”  The creativity of our God is endless. No matter how much we learn about Him and the world that He has created, there will always be something new to discover.

God’s creation is amazing from the little pumpkin spider to the massive oceans, but even more amazing is His never-ending love for each one of us.  A love that God wants us to share with others.

This Sunday, October 26^th is Westbrook’s Trunk-or-Treat. Fun for the whole family! There will be a giant inflatable slide, cotton candy, crafts, games, refreshments and lots of candy! I encourage you to share your excitement for God and His love by inviting our friends and neighbors to join us. God can work this time together to create opportunities for families to connect and grow in relationship with each other and ultimately Jesus!