For the Beauty of the Earth

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.

(2nd verse of F.S. Pierpoint's lyrics)

When we sing this lovely song, we are reminded of the soft grass of summer, swirling gently to the rhythm of the warm breezes. We appreciate our Father's beautiful gift. But what would our appreciation be, if this scene had not been preceded by the bitter, cold of February; the shrieking hurricane and blinding snow which covers the landscape in impassable drifts?

Our Christian life is much the same. We love the gentle moments of love and happy cooperation when minds and hands work as one. But would we long for heaven if that is how it always is? Would our hunger for the reward of rest and peace be so sure if we never found our efforts met with resistance and even hatred? Often the bitter winds of persecution attack our quiet life and drift the way forward with cold resistance.

But we know the path has already been broken before us, the way not so steep, our recovery from falls and spills tended by the tender hand of God.

'Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' ~ Isaiah 41:10

I pray we will enjoy the smooth path, but know that when the rough rocks and steep hills are encountered, God is still there. He knows the way. He went before us on this very path.

Enjoy the journey, no matter the weather! Heaven will be worth it all. C: