ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 11, 2022
Today is the birthday of Glacier National Park in Montana, but let’s be clear, when I say, “birthday,” I’m really referencing the anniversary of the United States government establishing it as a National Park. I feel pretty confident that it was spectacular long before we acknowledged its beauty and splendor with a title. Places like Glacier National Park allow us to touch the grandeur and beauty of creation, and in doing so, we are drawn closer to the Source of all that is breath-taking and inspiring.
On this anniversary, I am reminded of the Message’s version of Psalm 65, beginning with verse 6…
Mountain-Maker, Hill-Dresser, Muzzler of sea storm and wave crash, of mobs in noisy riot – Far and wide they’ll come to a stop, they’ll stare in awe, in wonder. Dawn and dusk take turns calling, “Come and worship.” Oh, visit the earth, ask her to join the dance! Deck her out in spring showers, fill the God-River with living water. Paint the wheat fields golden. Creation was made for this! Drench the plowed fields, soak the dirt clods With rainfall as harrow and rake bring her to blossom and fruit. Snow-crown the peaks with splendor, scatter rose petals down your paths, all through the wild meadows, rose petals. Set the hills to dancing, dress the canyon walls with live sheep, a drape of flax across the valleys. Let them shout, and shout, and shout! Oh, oh, let them sing!
O Divine Creator, help me to have a spirit of wonderment and awe throughout the day, whether I’m in a National Forest or simply walking past some colorful flowers in my neighbor’s yard. Amen.
