What Are You Thinking About?

and I will meditate on your wonderful works. ¹

God, the Creator, has given us plenty to marvel at and ponder in his creation - a buffet of diversity and wonder, of glorious mystery and endless depth of beauty to be discovered.

Bumblebees and Dragonflies

Hummingbirds and Butterflies

What beautifully engineered creatures these are. Even if life is a mix of bitter and sweet, of trial and triumph, of beauty and horror (and it is), God still sends rays of hope into the darkness to remind his children of what they have and have to look forward to. And we are to think on these praiseworthy displays of heavenly reflection in God's beautiful creation.

While our earthly suffering often serves as reminder that this earth is not our home, earthly beauties remind us of our hoped-for heavenly home.

The bumble bee is humorous, his large fuzzy body bumbles about the flowers carried along by tiny wings. It reminds me of a large person riding a tiny scooter. What comic relief he brings with his loud buzzing and coming and going and digging in the flowers he finds. He brings no fear like his angry stinging cousins and reminds me that the kindness of God still exists; even in an otherwise cruel world.

The dragonfly, colored and quick, zips through the air and lands nearby. He finds rest from his flight on suspended wires and pointy garden ornaments. His randomly placed hues amuse my eye and make me think of the Master Painter who skillfully mixed the pigments to color him. Why does he have four wings? I’m sure science could explain, but his intricate design and delicate form bring a wonder that remains for me.

The hummingbird exceeds my expectations. That wings could flap so hard and fast and carry a creature to stationary positions midair is a marvel to watch, a spectacle that never grows old for me, a reminder of the never-ending newness that will fill our home in heaven. These miniature birds are curious creatures; they want to know us. Their loud hum lifts my head to the stare of his tiny eyes. What do you think of me, my friend?

The butterfly is glorious and gentle, a silent wonder of transformation and new creation. Could the Maker have spelled it out any clearer? In Christ I am a new creation, destined to soar on summer breezes and capture angel's gazes. This flying canvas is attracted to heavenly fragrances and has no shame in carrying his God-given beauty for all to see. He is a wonder of God’s wondrous creation.

These are things to think on as we journey towards the pinnacle of all beauty: the place Jesus has gone to prepare for us. This is what we groan for through beauty and suffering, in trial and triumph. This the place where all things will converge in perfect formation to the pinnacle of the mystery of the ages - God with man and man with God - the dwelling.

References

¹ Psalms 145:5 NIV