All God’s Creation
God’s creation is full of variety. Brad suggests that we should get into the habit of thanking God for the beauty and diversity of His creation.
God’s Creation
I love being outside, enjoying the beauty that can be found in every season. There is such variety in God’s creation, and it’s evident when we take a moment to consider those basic elements of creation, the land, the water, the birds of the air, fish in the sea, animals and insects.
A Land Clearing Project
This spring my dog Georgia and I have spent quite a few spare hours working together on a land clearing project. Me working, her totally enthralled at running through the woods, barking at squirrels, chasing birds, and exhausting her 10-year-old body after a hard day of activity.
The land I’ve been working is an old section of property that is owned by Nova Scotia Power. It is part of a water dam system that was constructed back in the late 1940s. An intentionally flooded area about 3 square miles in size, was created to supply a pipeline, and the subsequent shore around it was excavated. Apart from the occasional inspection of the water levels or the dam, the park like area created was left to the use of local residents. (Things were different in the 40’s )
You could suggest that the continued use has been “grandfathered in, as locals have been coming to the spot for years to put a boat in the water, to have a swim, to camp out, or have a Saturday night party.
The area however, in the last 10 to 15 years, has been used little, and has become a literal jungle from trees that have sprouted up in inconvenient places, overgrown bushes, briars, garbage etc. Last year, we had a baptism at this spot, and upon seeing how crowded into the shoreline we were because of the overgrowth, I determined myself I would put some effort into working the property this spring.
A Large Splash
So Georgia and I have clocked probably over 40 hours, and the place is looking like a literal park. On one of our workdays, Georgia began barking in the distance, near the deeper area of the lake. It’s all too common for her to bark at squirrels, birds, or any other animal, so it was nothing out of the ordinary.
I then heard a large splash, and thought…..hmmmm, maybe someone is here. It sounded as if someone had tossed a large rock into the water. It could have been a rock that had fallen in from the steep slope surrounding this section, so I carried on with my chores. Georgia’s barking continued, and I heard a second loud splash. I assumed then it was for sure, someone tossing rocks, maybe coming to surprise me with a nice cold drink or a welcome hand in the chores of this hard labor. I of course had to investigate.
A Beaver Tail in God’s Creation!
Georgia’s continued barking made me step up my pace, and I quickly reached the shoreline. The sight of 3 beavers in the water welcomed me, and instantly I realized what the large splashing sounds were. It was the sound of a beaver tail hitting the water with force; one beaver warning the others of danger, utilizing his God given mechanism for danger, his tail.
Even though we live in a rural area, I rarely see beavers in action. You may see their dens above water in meadows and streams, but these were the first beavers I’d seen close-up in years. Regardless, I did remember that the beaver uses his tail to warn his family of danger. He doesn’t trash and splash like a person would flailing their arms and repeatedly beating the water; he simply makes a powerful and direct hit, which delivers an effective warning.
Georgie continued to bark and drive herself crazy, and the beavers swam slowly in circles and seemed undaunted by her presence. I’m sure they began to realize she was “all bark and no action.”
The Diversity of God’s Creation
I reflected on the sight and sound of the beavers, and it reminded me of how diverse Gods animal kingdom is. The beaver is such an amazing swimmer, he builds a pretty awesome home, and he can gnaw down very large trees, with his teeth. Those are some qualities I admire.
Think of the unique features of the lowly skunk, or the intimidating porcupine. Think of the crow of the rooster at dawn, or the whoooting of the owl at night.
The Creator God
There are so many sights and sounds around us, that point us to the reality of a creator. The creator is GOD. The very first words of instruction from the BIBLE are “In the beginning, GOD”. If we stop and give him glory for even these simple everyday encounters…. with people, animals, or creation around us, it refreshes us with a sense of awe and wonder.
John 1: 3,4 says “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Thank you Lord for your light that shines in us, and illuminates our days, and draws us to bear witness to every aspect of your creation.
What inspires you most about God’s creation? Make a comment below, or contact us.
Brad Hewey
Brad offers up practical, scriptural advice from a perspective borne out of everyday life encounters. As we live and move and have our being…it’s the individual life lessons that most often present the greatest challenges, but can yield the richest blessings. We’ve all, as Christians had those faith-affirming moments, where we’ve had an overwhelming sense of God’s spirit, or his very presence “at a particular but, maybe random time”.
Brad was born and still resides in a small community in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, where he and his wife Karen raised their 3 children. Brad & Karen fellowship at the Greenland Bible Chapel, where Brad serves as an elder.
Brad loves meeting and engaging with people. His background in sales has provided opportunities to travel throughout the US and Canada, networking with people from all walks of life. Brad is a singer/songwriter and has recorded 3 Christian albums. Songs from his “Brighter Day” release, have aired on Christian Radio stations across Canada and two of Brad’s albums are on HopeStreamRadio’s playlist.
More Podcasts Below:
More Blogs
Creativity and the Artist’s Way
Images Courtesy Of:
Marguerite – Bess-Hamiti
Georgia – Brad Hewey
Lake – Brad Hewey
Beaver – Hans
Leave a Reply