The Voyaging Storyteller

One of the many things I love about spring is that it’s the perfect time to go outside. The air warms up and the sun shines brightly yet the shade and breezes still hold wistful memories of winter.

The other day, I was looking outside and was stunned by the clouds, billowing majestically into the dusk sky, a golden and pink explosion of fluff.

This got me thinking. I can’t count how many times I’ve laughed in delight at this beautiful world of ours, at chipmunks chasing each other up and down trees, at rainbows rippling across the sky like flying ribbons, at swirling torrents of water gushing down cliffsides.

It didn’t have to be this way. Earth could have been as hostile and ugly as all the other planets, atmosphere full of poisonous gases, air scorching hot or chillingly icy, eerily dark or blindingly bright, landscapes a bare wasteland or infested with rocks and craters.

But it’s not.

It’s extraordinarily beautiful. Every little thing, from the spirals of snails, sea shells, and pinecones to the veins of tree branches, rivers, and our own neurons, is both astoundingly gorgeous and meticulously designed.

Why did God create the Earth so beautifully?

I like to imagine Creation went something like this.

A couple opens the door, their hearts fluttering in excitement. They step into a dark, empty room. Very soon, they will meet their baby, but first, there are many things to be done.

They string up fairy lights, dozens of tiny bulbs twinkling merrily. They paint the walls in playful washes of color. They set up shelves and rocking chairs and fill them with carefully chosen stuffed animals. They layer the floor in soft carpets. They hang spinning mobiles of planets and more animals. Finally, they build a crib, laying the cushions and blankets down with great care. The couple smiles. All is ready for their special baby.

God scattered fairy lights in the sky, to twinkle down on us as we gaze into its depths.

He painted the heavens in puffs of cloud and fresh new gradients.

He raised up mountains and carved out canyons and sent trees spiraling upwards.

He blows the wind to caress our skin and created animals to be our companions and make us laugh.

He planted carpets of soft grass and nurtured gardens of colorful flowers.

He suspended planets in the galaxies and set them spinning and whirling in just the right places to keep Earth so hospitable and welcoming.

All He did, all He does, is for us, His precious children.

He created a home for us, a home we could explore, a place where we could learn and grow and just enjoy ourselves. That’s why we were last in Creation, because you always prepare the nursery before you bring the baby home.

When I realized this, I just about cried. Every time I think about it, my heart fills to bursting with an intense warmth followed quickly by feelings of unworthiness. Yet God chooses to love me and you regardless of all our sins and failures, and when I think of all that He’s done for me, I can’t help but send up prayers of gratitude, billowing up just like those clouds.

~

On another note, yes, I did it again. *hides* I disappeared for over a month with no notice. A bunch of life events snuck up on me, things like unexpected essays at the end of the semester and college decisions and graduating and all those terrifying (but also exciting?) things that seniors have to worry (celebrate?) about.

But I am back for the foreseeable future! I have a lot of ideas marinating in this skull of mine, so if you’re interested in following along, click here to subscribe! You will receive a free copy of my fantasy short story, Steps of Fate, plus weekly post notifications and exclusive monthly newsletters about what I’ve been up to in life and writing.

Oh yes, I’m planning on posting weekly on Voyaging Vednesdays. 😝 I’ve never stuck with an established schedule before, but there’s a first time for everything, so we’ll see how this goes.

Until next time,

Bon Voyage!

What is your favorite part of Creation? In what ways do you see God’s special touch? I’d love to chat in the comments!