Week 2: Enjoying and Observing Creation

In the second week of this series, I want to look at ways we can enjoy creation by bringing it into our homes—especially as flowering plants and perennials begin their blooming season.

Let’s begin with a basic idea. Bring plants, flowers or both into your home. There is something about bringing a bit of living creation indoors. If it is a plant, as you water it and care for it, thank God for creating this particular plant. Thank him for the beauty and intricacy of the plant. Admit to Him that you could not create such a thing or make it grow. Take time to notice the plant or flower. Depending on how far you want to go with this, you could even get a book from the library and learn about your particular plant species. Do you know its scientific name?  Do you recognize the type of leaf it has? Do you know what kind of climate it prefers? In knowing something, just like in knowing someone, we feel a stronger affinity for that particular thing. Our relationship with God is like this too. When we take the time to get to know him through his Word, we begin to know what he is like.

Perhaps houseplants are not your thing. You can still find ways to bring creation into your home. Shells are a perfect example. If you have ever walked along the beach, you know the variety of shells to be found. I have a collection of shells from all the beaches I have visited over the years. What about pieces of driftwood or unique rocks? God created these too and they can be reminders of his creativity and variety of creation. As you look at them, notice the details and talk to God during this time. Thank him for the starfish, the smooth stone, and the weather-beaten piece of driftwood. Remember the travels and perhaps meaningful time with friends or family members that were a part of the experience in which you collected the objects.

I alluded to flowers a moment ago, but our European friends get this one right. Fresh flowers are a daily part of their lives just like checking our email and Facebook are a part of ours. It isn’t viewed as a luxury, but a part of everyday living. It provides beauty and good smells to homes. Those on tight budgets may think differently, but I imagine many of us can find the extra five to eight dollars a week to enjoy a lovely fresh flower arrangement. If not, a potted plant is a more budget-friendly option.

Spend some time this week finding ways you can bring creation indoors. Leave a comment telling me what you did and I will enter your name in the drawing for the giveaway (see Week 1 for details).