by Rev. Ralen M. Robinson
Read: Psalm 8:3
“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;” (NRSVUE)
It’s not fall yet, but summer is coming to an end. In this in-between time, I stand still, watching cotton candy skies above my head as cooler air surrounds me. I take time just to be. Songstress Sister Rosetta Tharpe once said, “Up above my head, I hear music in the air, And I really believe that there’s a Heaven somewhere.”
As the heavens open up, the rain showers have stopped, and the sky reflects the pools on the ground; I feel closer to God. The pink, blue, and violet colors remind me of God’s love. I can see the sky for miles on a clear day, and its vastness reminds me of God’s greatness.
This beauty encapsulates God’s power in creation. Often, I find myself staring up above and watching the birds soar and the sun reflect on the specs of clouds. It reminds me of wind chimes hanging in the window that throw reflections of color on the ground, mesmerizing me. At this moment, I can’t imagine being alone because God’s beauty surrounds me. I am reminded that everything created is done by a loving God who gave us something so vast, captivating, and striking.
It is easy to be blasé. We can easily miss or not notice it because it has always been there.
How often have we forgotten the beauty within ourselves or the gifts we possess? In this in-between season, I want you to look within yourself and marvel at the treasures in your treasure chest.
What gifts do you share and give to people and the communities you serve? We are called to be stewards of God’s creation, which means giving of our time, talent, and treasure to support and uplift the communities we call home; that means extending to our churches as well.
God has entrusted us to care for and serve God’s creation. We are a part of this beautiful tapestry, so we must use our gifts to sustain and edify the world, for God trusts us enough to do so.
In Psalm 8, King David praises God’s beautiful creation. God is right in front of our faces because God has always been and will be there, especially in times of transition.
God’s presence envelops us and covers us wherever we go and whatever space we are in. God’s handiwork is seen. All you have to do is look above your head. Because when you do, God’s light shines on you and equips you to use your gifts.
When was the last time you admired the birds of the air, the sky’s pillowy clouds stretching across and changing colors? When was the last time you were grateful for God’s creation? Give thanks and praise for it. This season, as we step further into September, take a moment to see how you are using your gifts and cherishing what was entrusted to you from the one above.
Ralen M. Robinson is a pastor at Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kan. When she is not pastoring, she is pursuing her Doctorate of Ministry in Homiletics, serving as a board member of Child Protective Services of Sedgwick County, and participating in leadership roles in the wider church. Ralen believes her faith and a good pair of shoes can take you a long way.
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