Friday, September 3, 2010

Glory in Oregon


I've been away for the better part of two weeks driving without a plan in beautiful Oregon. For days on end we were beset with an endless stream of majestic waterfalls that crashed into wild and scenic rivers raging to the delight of fisherman and outdoorsmen alike. Turbulent ocean waves pounded the rugged coastline while sea lions barked loudly and lounged lazily as grey whales spouted unpredictably to the delight of eager onlookers. Rose and white starfish clung patiently along side pale green anemone at the base of oceanside monoliths for the tide to come in and bring them food and water. Mountains spilled their dark green forests onto miles of seemingly endless sand dunes that ran into the ocean. Beaches sat wide and long at the base of sheer cliffs inviting beach goers, donned in sweatshirts, to build rock fortress wind shields and sunset fires on their fine sand. I took 835 pictures. . .and that was just with my own camera. Frankly, after about a week, my eyes almost hurt from the pristine beauty and I hoped for a break from saying "this is so gorgeous". It was too much of God's glory. He picked this place to show off and the people of Oregon chose to respect it and keep it beautiful. Thank you.

It made me think of the many other ways God manifests His glory. In my life it was an impossible-to-earn, last-minute, full-ride college scholarship awarded, a perfect little baby nephew adopted after many failed attempts, my first article published, (fast and nontraditionally), and a down payment, and the payments for the entire first year, for a new car paid for by "baby sitting", for an 18, 22 and 24-year-old.

In the lives of others I have seen His glory in marriages restored after repeated infidelity: healed to better than could ever have been imagined. I've witnessed insecurity conquered by finding significance in Christ. I've seen tests passed, pain redeemed and the lost returned down to something seemingly insignificant like an out of print book discovered at a flea market on a dreary Saturday morning.

Finding His glory in our lives requires that we look for it. It's realizing that we are not solely responsible for our successes and blessings and not taking such credit for ourselves, but, instead, giving the credit, the glory, back to Him.

It's giving Him the glory by casting our crowns at His feet: it gives us the opportunity to humbly offer His blessing back to Him. Brag on him with this faithfulness and the glory will be multiplied-his name given renown. You, being shown worthy, will be further blessed.

Look for His glory in your life today. If you don't know where to look, ask Him to show you. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7) He loves to give good gifts to His children who ask.

1 comment:

  1. Wow - that really makes me want to see Oregon and most certainly will remind me to ask about the 800+ pictures!! Isn't it awesome how God shows you things like that while you are away from home and in the process, reminds you of all the extraordinary things He's done in your daily life?? I need to get away for just that reason. It's like He lifts you out of your routine so you can remember the amazing things about your every day. Until then, I'll look today......

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