It was just another summer evening, or so we thought.

Tired at the end of a long day, we wanted to have a quiet evening at home. But, we had this nagging sense we would be sorry if we didn’t exchange the comfort of our chairs for the sand and waves awaiting us at the beach.

So we hopped in the car for the 5-minute drive to Lake Michigan.   We only expected to be there for a just short while, but ended up staying until after the sun set.

 

God in creation

 

You can count on it being cooler by the lake than in our wooded location, usually.  But, it’s been noticeably cooler even at home the past few evenings, so I grabbed a lightweight jean jacket on my way out the door.  That’s why we were surprised by the warmth of the water at the lake.  It was pure bliss to have the warm waves wash over our feet as we strolled on the soft shoreline sands.

 

Wave bubbling up on the shoreline

 

Every time I walk the water’s edge it’s a new experience.

The light, the humidity, the breeze, and even the size and direction of the waves are different every time.

Each night we can depend on the sun setting, but we might not see it behind a bank of clouds, or it might even play hide and seek with us.

Sometimes there is a phenomenal blaze of color as the sun sets.

Other times, a pale yellow orb slides into the water as day becomes night.

It can be incredibly dramatic and other times beautifully serene, peaceful, and seemingly noneventful.

 

Sunset over Lake Michigan - Every day a new creation of God

 

What if this slice of creation, that makes my heart swell with joy, is a microscopic reflection of the Creator?

What if there is a greater purpose to the natural world beyond what meets the eye?

 

The great mystery in all of creation is a mere reflection of the infinite, loving nature of our heavenly Father. –Craig Denison

 

I’ve been blessed to travel far beyond these North American shores.  Experiences that have given me greater glimpses of lands and peoples. And at every destination, I have marveled at God’s amazing creation.

Scripture explains to us why we are enamored by this natural world around us.

 

Scripture Verse over a photo of a sunset at the lake - AnExtraordinaryDay.netFrom the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly observed in what he made.  
Romans 1:20

God designed our world so that through it we would come to know him…. his beauty, his power and majesty, his attention to detail and his unending creativity, and so much more.

And to think that he did all this to draw us to him so we could experience the incredible love he has for us.

The next time you look out the window at your flowers or take a walk and notice the huge fluffy clouds, or get in your car and drive past rivers,  meadows, and wooded hillsides, consider that all of creation was designed for you to know God.

Let’s train our eyes to see him in our world.

 

Sunset over Lake Michigan where all of Nature Displays God through his handiwork

 

What examples of his power or nature do you see?

It’s so easy to go for our walks or runs, getting the ‘job’ done, traveling the same route without awareness to the natural world. Or, to jump in our cars, focused on our destinations and all the cars and traffic surrounding us, while missing the intricacies of our world and the subtle changes of the seasons.

  • What would change in our hearts and lives if we actively observed and engaged with the natural world?
  • Would we see God differently?
  • Would we see ourselves differently?

Let’s make a conscious effort this week to look for God in his creation.

Pin It to remember for Later because it's so good - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

Sunset on Lake Michigan - Is this a microscopic reflection of our creator - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

God in Creation on JoyDay!

It’s JoyDay!

And time to get our joy meters soaring!

Please join me in thinking back over the past week and counting seven things for which you are thankful.  This simple exercise of counting and giving thanks together in this space is something we do each week to reset our compasses and put our eyes back on the Lord.

I’ll start…

Thank you, God…

  1. for Your amazing creation… the beauties never cease.
  2. for the love and attention to detail that went into your creation.
  3. for a fun afternoon and lunch with my friend.
  4. that we live close to the beach, so we can enjoy the lake often. 
  5. for being actively at work in our lives… guiding and directing.  
  6. that You are faithful, loving, kind, and always with me.
  7. that You are my loving faithful Father.

Now…it’s YOUR turn!

List your ‘seven’ in the ‘share your extraordinary thoughts’ section below.  You’ll be glad you did.

Thank you for stopping by and taking time to leave your sweet thoughts.

May your week overflow with unimaginable Joy! Signature - AnExtraordinaryDay.netReceive FREE inspiration like this in your inbox!
Sign up Now.
Did you enjoy this post? Use the sharing buttons to let your friends know & “pin it,” too. 

Comments

  1. Minnie says

    Happy Joy Day!
    I do know exactly what you mean, Gods beauty is EVERYWHERE!
    The moon, seashells, flowers, baby giggles, wagging dog tails and lets not forget the butterflies!?
    So sad that some people don’t or won’t look around to see Gods signature. But I’m happy you take the time to do so.
    Lord this week I thank you for,
    1. The fun time our daughter, son and a couple grandkids had out in our neighborhood Saturday. Garage sales everywhere. Oh and of course I was on my bike, with my baskets loaded down with treasures.
    2. This week 2 of our sons and daughters in law are celebrating wedding anniversaries. And soon we’ll have another daughter in law. They all found Love, thank you.
    3. The strength unlimited you give me.
    4. My loving mother in law. I sure am blessed.
    5. The recent fires in California are getting under control. Smoke is clearing some and I can once again see Mt. Diablo while in my yard.
    6. The classical music coming from my radio. It’s so relaxing and soothing. Thank you for giving some people the ability to play.
    7. The fact that you are always with me.
    Thanks again Diane, words of inspiration and lovely pictures are always a joy!
    Blessings to you!
    Minnie

    • Minnie… you live life so exuberantly! What a delight it is to see how you revel in the blessings God has for you in the ordinary. It’s what makes YOU extraordinary, my friend! Have a blessed week and splash your God joy wherever you go! xo

  2. Gwen says

    As I was trying to concentrate on your wonderful message, I was so in shock!!! First of all, I know there are waves on the Great Lakes but I looked at the photos of the shoreline and it looks like there are tides like in the oceans. Is it true? Does the moon create a pull upon the lakes as well?? The other strange thing was that your sun sets over the lake. Silly thought BUT I thought Oh the lakes are to the east of the west coast so the sun rises over them but sets behind them. I guess not!! I’m all turned around!!! Isn’t that so neat that God gives us wonder to cause us to seek out answers and explore to find out the why’s??
    This has been a week of more and more difficult things. We grow weary and it takes both of us to help the other stay focused on Christ and His gift and that God is truly so good.
    Joy in
    1. A fun party for my grandson
    2 I got to see all three grandsons they are so cute
    3. My aunt was not seriously injured when something fell near her
    4. Cooler nights
    5. Safety for people in fire areas. It’s so devastating yet people are kept safe. Thank you Lord. Help those who have lost their homes
    6. Someone who got really sick is better
    7. My house looks better inside

    • Gwen… there are tides on the Great Lakes but they are less than 5 centimeters. However, I often walk the shoreline in the morning and I have noticed that the water comes further up on the shore on my return walk. (I go about the same time of day.) I don’t know what the cause of that is, but I do find it interesting to go from walking on the sand to walking in water up to my calf in some areas when that phenomenon is taking place. The Great Lakes are big bodies of water, so depending on whether you live on the west coast or the east coast of the lake you’ll enjoy either the sunrise or the sunset. It’s pretty cool and I never take it for granted. We are so blessed to enjoy Lake Michigan and the awesome beauty and power of the lake that points to God. Every day has its nuances at the lake… what a demonstration of God’s creativity.

      I’m sorry that this has been a difficult week. 🙁 There really is something to locking arms together and moving forward in God’s goodness and grace. That partnership with the Lord is a strong cord.

      May your week be filled with surprising moments of JOY!!! <3

  3. Your photography always amazes me. I felt like I was literally there with you at the beach, watching the sunset and the picture you created with your words made me feel as though I was enjoying the warm water. Thank you for the beautiful reminders of how much God loves us! xoxoxo

    • Awww… you just made my day, Mary Beth!! I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know that you felt the moment and God’s love and blessing. {big hugs!}

Please Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts!

*

AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.