Finding God in Nature

Nearly every time I visit my greenhouse, I am joined by a very attentive robin. The little bird seems to know exactly when to appear and, in doing so, lifts my spirits and reminds me of the wonder of the natural world around me. It provides a welcome counterbalance to my mutterings about slugs, deer and squirrels undoing my attempts to grow things to enjoy, and sometimes to eat!

The robin prompts me to think about the extraordinary world we live in, with its millions of species of plants, animals and insects. I stand in awe of a God who has created and sustains such diversity, from tropical rainforests to vibrant coral reefs and countless other ecosystems.

I admit to being something of a philistine and an analytical rationalist, but the world around us constantly challenges us to look beyond the merely visible and glimpse something of the divine mystery. Consider the beauty of a sunset over the ocean, the Milky Way on a clear night, the delicate geometry of a dew-covered spider's web, or the exquisite fragrance of sweet peas. All are truly mind-blowing and, if we take the time to look, we can see one very big arrow pointing to God and we can agree with Him that “all that He has made is very good” (Gen 1,31 paraphrased!)

My robin does a wonderful job of reminding me both of the complexity and the fragility of creation. Have you seen how spindly their legs are? It also reminds me of our responsibility to care for the world God has entrusted to us and to be faithful stewards of His creation.

Sunset over Ashtead Common