This gift is for you, beloved

By Pastor Bridget Sheely

Racine/Wykoff/Sumner Center UMC

Spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner.  What a wonderful time of year!

I can’t help but feel a sense of renewed life this time of year and as I drive through the countryside all the wonderful sights only confirm my senses.  Newborn calves dot the landscape, flowers are waking from their winter slumber, the grass is the most vivid color green and buds are popping on the trees.  What an incredible world our Master Designer has created for his beloved people.

The Bible is full of verses about the beauty of nature.  In Genesis, we are told that God created the world and saw that it was good. Psalm 19 calls the heavens and earth the “handiwork of God’s fingers.” Isaiah 40 describes the beauty of the Created world as a “gracious gift” from God. The book of Revelation tells us that one day nature will be restored to its original perfection, free from the effects of sin. In the meantime, we are called to enjoy and care for the natural world, using it wisely as stewards of God’s creation.

These scriptural writings about nature remind us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves and that this world IS a precious gift from God.  How will you receive His gift?  Have you planned for your summer adventures yet?  What are you waiting for?  The beauty of living here in Fillmore is that there is an abundance of opportunity just waiting for you right outside your doorstep.  From hiking trails surrounding Forestville Park to camping fun and weekend gatherings with family and friends.  Plus, all the small-town celebrations that extend throughout the next couple of months.  Are you an avid biker or do you enjoy exploring with your ATV? Now is the time to break free from the daily grind and plan your next excursion. Or how about a nice quiet picnic in the park?  I say grab that book you’ve wanted to start reading and go find a special spot to lose yourself in its pages.  Beloved, God has gifted you this moment and you are worthy of accepting what He has offered.

As the Apostle Paul wrote to the young preacher Timothy, I now say to you “4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.” (NRSV) Friends, make it a priority this wonderful inspirational summer season to make yourself a priority!  Take that step out of your daily norm and leap for joy into God’s handiwork of natural, peaceful, and adventurous creation. 

Your next amazing memory making moment is right around the corner!