Sue Russell shares with us her sentiments on the wonderful world we live in.
It’s a wonderful world. We sing about that in our church service. It is also a beautiful world. After Eden, we were given a wonderful and beautiful world, but now we would have to work hard to bring forth its blessings. All we have to do to see its beauty is look around.
Recently , my son took me to see St. Mark’s Lighthouse and Wildlife Reserve. That area is mostly marshland – much water and grasses. The area is unique in its beauty. At the lighthouse, you looked across the azure Gulf of Mexico.
But you don’t have to travel to find lovely things. In the morning, when my crepe myrtle bushes are still wet with dew, I have found the rising sun makes them look as if someone decorated them with glittering diamonds.
I loved living in a little village in the north country of New York state near Watertown. The air in the spring was sweet with the fragrance of hundreds of Lilac bushes. Summers were cool and winters – a white ermine blanket of snow covered the land – and fall - a glorious display of vibrant colors clothed the trees.
My friend loved the mountains and the desert, especially The Arches. She liked to sit out on the desert ground at night and marvel at the millions of stars sharing their light.
I never thought I would live in Florida, the Land of flowers or see Palm trees swaying in the wind or see Spanish moss hanging like lace from tree branches.
Yes, it is a wonderful and beautiful world. I have written about only a few of the marvelous things around us – they are endless more.
I think it would be a good idea to slow down and really look at what a wonderful and beautiful world God has given us.
Sue Russell
Sue's writing is vivid and it reminds us how we ought to appreciate the world we live in. However, our minds are once again preoccupied with the uncertainty and devastation of the Covid 19 pandemic. It has affected so many aspects of our lives.
However to dwell on it and not move forward would be even more detrimental to our well being. Apostle Paul speaks of a thorn in his flesh and it reminds us that in the midst of our strife, Jesus is present. "Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Cor 12:7-9.
Or lest we forget, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness."Lamentations 3:22-23.
Covid 19 is going to be with us. However, God provides us with what we need to keep going; His grace, His mercy and His Love. As trying as life may be now, we serve a living God who is over all. He hears our cries and sees our pain. So let us push on through the fog. It will soon be lifted. And we will benefit greatly from the lessons we have learned from this time. Hold on - do not give up. God is able.....
Below is a contemplative piece of music to listen to, to pray, to be reflective. The scenery provided in it, brings home the wonderful and beautiful world, Sue described in her reflection. Enjoy!