In The Cool Of The Day

Sometimes I feel like I go through life with my eyes only partially open. I miss a lot of things that should probably be pretty obvious. And to be honest, the only things that I have found to be helpful in putting the odds in my favor to be more aware of what is around me are prayer and intentionality. Because the truth is, unless we ask God to help us, and then purposefully submit our actions to what we've requested in prayer, chances are we'll continue to miss even more.

Today we were spending the day with family while exploring a local attraction. Prior to leaving home, we sat on the living room floor and prayed that we would be protected in our travels, that we would enjoy our time, and that we would see God in where we were going. And boy did he answer.

First, the traffic was horrid. But as only he can orchestrate, we all got there at roughly the same time. Second, despite awful traffic patterns and barely visible signs, we managed to arrive unscathed. I will say though that my heart definitely skipped a beat at a rather abrupt right turn. Third, we saw amazing talent from artists that can only be desribed as divine gifting. Fourth, we lived out what we are told to do in Deuteronomy 11:19 with each other.

See, the place we went to was filled with God's ability to create beauty by his breath as he spoke things into being and through the hands of those who created replicas of his impeccable design.  And as we explored, I turned to my better half and asked if he thought that this was the Garden of Eden looked like. A little later, I asked my 13 year old if he thought there would be a garden like this in heaven. Not shockingly he was slightly concerned about this concept because he was worried there might be allergies in heaven. When I told him that I was pretty certain that wasn't the case, you know with perfectly healthy resurrection bodies and all, he was more excited about God's garden. And finally, I mentioned it to my daughter, who bascially echoed her brother's concerns regarding hives.

One of the most intriguing things we saw were figures placed delicately in water. I mean, I have no clue what we will look like in heaven. But there is a part of me that is fascinated that we might be some kind of unique design we can't even comprehend at this point. And while I'm not sure that the artist who created the incredible figures we saw captured it, the work of his hands was certainly a catalyst of something to think about.

I pray that as you look at these pictures of both God's handiwork and 2 artists interpretations of it, that you will take a moment to ponder the majesty and artistry of what our heavenly Father created for us to enjoy. And then consider what it might be like to walk arm in arm with him in eternity in a garden like this.