Ps 8:3-4
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
(from New International Version)
The South Coast Botanical Gardens in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA is something to witness. Miles upon miles of beautiful vegetation, nestled against hills, trails, and benches to take in the view, just 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles. My children and I went to visit there for my son’s social studies project—“Exploring His Community”, just last weekend. I was struck by how we live amidst the garbage of the world: crime, violence, disease, hate, pollution, and oppression, yet God still reveals Himself and searches for His people. Are we aware of His presence? Do we see Him in our everday lives? I’m not so sure. We get so caught up with what we need to do—laundry, chores, kids, work, bills, serving at church, serving at the kids’ schools, doctor appointments, homework, reading, and on and on. But God is still working miracles in the here and now. Look at the lives transformed; those who were addicted and now are healthy and happy. Families reunited through divorce and sin, now together again and thriving. Babies without mothers, left behind, alone, but now adopted by loving parents who long to take care of them and watch them grow. And even this beautiful garden of gum trees, roses, hibiscus, lilacs, daisies, and more. God is seeking us. He wants us to realize it and take a moment and spend time with Him. How awesome that my kids decided we should sit after an hour into our hike in the park and stop and pray. How often do you stop to smell the roses?
