E-votional - The Ordinary
March 18, 2003

Verse:

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God;

Romans 8:19 (NRSV)

Thought:

   It is there in from of you, all around you. Perhaps you must close your eyes in order to see it. We are talking about creation. By closing your eyes you become aware of the birds and their melodious welcome. With our eyes closed we are reminded of the trees and flora that move with the wind. The force of nature moving the wind comes to our attention as the wind itself rushes through our hair and echoes in our ears. Even our heart beat has a chance to become alive with our eyes closed, yet when we open our eyes we overlook the ordinary and seek the "something else", the extreme.

   Hear the Good News, Creation is anything but ordinary, just like you and I are anything but ordinary. Our lives are now driven with such a pace, paced by the world, that we miss and overlook the most extreme element of life, creation itself. We are marvels, as is creation, and the One who created, did so with love, hope and grace. Why then must we seek to fulfill our need for excitement from extreme activity, when the most extreme activity ever is creation itself?

Prayer: 

   Gracious God, thank You for creation and for my life. Help me stop and in this fast paced world to turn my focus to You. I know as I draw closer to You, my countenance will be lifted up and strengthened. Remind me to seek strength and comfort in You arms and not to substitute the need for Your presence with short lived moments of excitement. Thank You for all you have done in my life and all you will continue to do, for I come to You through Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior! Amen.