First Frost

Frosted autumn leaves

I think it was the first Frost of the season. It was Sunday morning. We take an early morning walk before we get ready for church. It is part of our routine, as much as a simple devotion and prayer time, together. It is as important to us as our breakfast and coffee to nourish our bodies, because in a sense, it nourishes our relationship with one another, and with our Father. As we walk hand-in-hand and start the day together, we always find a reason to praise—we find something to be thankful for—along our path. And on that morning, it was frost.

As I paused to capture the first frost, I noticed the intricate detail of each crystal on each blade of grass, on each leaf. It is amazing to me that even as we sleep, God is creating magic and beauty for us to behold—if we will only stop and notice. Every vein in the leaf was highlighted, every edge had a coating, yet each piece of nature’s flocking was separate, carefully, meticulously laid against every blade or oak and maple leaf. Each grain appeared to have been applied with the precision of a jeweler who sets a diamond in just the right mounting to set off the perfect, flawless stone.

And then I noticed how the light just glanced over each icy formation, giving it a glow and making it radiate in the sunlight. And it seemed like even the grass and leaves were praising the Lord on this Sunday morning. Somehow, they, too, were pausing to worship their Creator. Though they were but a still life, their beauty showed me something of God’s beauty and brought our hearts one step closer into alignment with the Lord’s, to go to His house that day.

"All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the Lord! 8 Sea monsters and the deep sea, fire and hail, snow and frost, and every stormy wind, come praise the Lord! 9 All mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, 10 every wild and tame animal, all reptiles and birds, come praise the Lord! 11 Every king and every ruler, all nations on earth, 12 every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the Lord (CEV)!" Psalm 148:7-12

We actually went to church with friends on this given Sunday. And like our own church, the beautiful thing about it was that every race, every nationality seemed to be represented. Just as God took the time to create the flocking on the leaves, I could see His hand of creativity and love in the congregation as we gathered to worship. As we lifted our voices to praise and listened to be taught, each person there seemed to be highlighted in His majesty. There seemed to be the glow of His presence in the auditorium.

We are each given unique gifts, unique talents, and unique ways to express and give God’s love. We are each flawless in His sight because of His sacrifice. And whether it is daytime or nighttime, we are ever in His care. We always hold His attention. He is always working on His children, His creation. So let’s give Him praise. For the small things, for the big things. For all things.

When we walk with Jesus, there is always something to notice, there are always reasons to be grateful, and there is always someone on our path that needs to feel His love and light. I thank God for the first frost, because it helped me see creation worship Him, and as we joined with others to worship, His light shone with a radiance that must have had all of heaven glittering with a dazzling display of wonder.

Bible Study: Isaiah 40:26, Job 12:7-10, Acts 14:17, Psalm 104:24-25, and Revelations 4:11

by: deborah goshorn-stenger 2 Pause and Praise Creations ©