So why, exactly, would I choose such a name?
Well, many reasons have led me to this decision:
1. God has blessed me with a plethora of friends this year at Southern
2. God has blessed me with a brother and sister who have committed the next year to being missionaries
3. God has blessed me with a desire to explore His nature, which happens to be beautiful
4. God has blessed me with a semester of classes that are enjoyable, yet challenging
5. God has blessed me with parents that are willing to lay down everything for me
This isn't a very complete list, but you can see that I owe much thanks to God. I breeze through most days without giving a second thought to the blessings bestowed upon me. I often take life too fast to stop and look at what God has put directly in front of me.
Two weeks ago, my Vertebrate Natural History class took a weekend trip to Cherokee National Forest. God decided to show me a thing or two about Himself.
On Sabbath we took a hike up to Bob's Bald, but ended up getting poured on. From the moment we reached the top, we knew that there was no possible way to get to the bottom before the showers would start. In spite of this wet spell, we had a splendid jaunt back down the trail. What I originally thought was going to be awful turned out to be magnificent. Before the rain had started, clouds were covering most of the sky and consequently the sun. After the downpour, warm rays of light begin to stream through the trees and reach toward the forest floor.
Along the path, many mud puddles had come to be. Most would be discouraged in trying to avoid all the holes of filth, and rather frustrated that all were there. However, few would take the time to stare into the face of the watery pit. Those who took a moment to look could see that there was beauty even in this pool. By looking down in, I could see what was up above.
I think that most times I have the outlook of a traveler that is surrounded by many puddles, and just wants to get to the end of the trail without having dirty boots. Obstacles are often put in my path: nasty situations that seem to be only trouble for me. However, I have to take the time to look and see that within each of those hardships, God has placed a glimpse of beauty for me to enjoy. So instead of seeing a mud puddle, look to find the hidden splendor.
God has given each of us a pair of lenses with which we can view the world. Sometimes we put filters on our eyes to change the outlook. Other times, we are unable to see the magnificence because we forgot which one to use. His hands are always reaching out toward us; we just have to be willing to focus on Him.
I know this life is short; tomorrow is not guaranteed. My life is a mere flash in the scope of time. The things I say and do could have no effect. I am simply a flower by the wayside that can be seen, but is usually passed by unnoticed. My purpose in life is to praise Him with the time I have been given.
"For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands." Psalm 92:4
Although He may be invisible, I can still see Him all around me.
