I love the city of Wilmington, NC. It’s a picturesque setting that has been the backdrop for numerous motion pictures and television shows. I was there recently and took this photo in Hugh McRae Park. It looks like something out of a painting by Claude Monet.
This photograph reminds me that God created a wonderful world for us to live in. Ironically, Hugh McRae Park was made by man. This beautiful bridge, lake, and water fountain were all constructed by humans who added value to God’s existing creation. I am reminded that we are all created to add value to the world we live in.
Scripture tells us in the book of Genesis that when God made the world, He created a beautiful paradise with amazing natural resources. And at the pinnacle of His creation, mankind was formed and given the awesome responsibility to inhabit and look after the Earth.
Do you ever stop to think about just how beautiful the world is? I have to admit, it’s getting increasingly more difficult to do so. Every time I turn on the television, check my email, or surf the web, I’m inundated with all the bad things that are happening on our planet.
In the US alone, the government is failing, the economy is a mess, and people are consumed with consumerism. Around the globe we’ve got hungry children, incurable disease, racial and ethnic cleansing, global warming, and so many other alarming issues in need of immediate attention.
With everything that’s wrong in the world today, it’s easy to forget what’s right. For instance: Did you know that with the help of the ONE Campaign and musical artists like Bono, we are starting to make a dent in Africa’s hunger problem? Are you aware that both China and Korea are experiencing revival of phenomenal proportion; more than any other countries in the world? And did you know that recycling is at an all time high as people everywhere are “Going Green”? Yes, we have a long way to go, but there are some great things happening in our world right now.
John Milton once said, “The mind is it’s own place, and in itself, can make a Heaven out of Hell, and a Hell out of Heaven.” Maybe what you and I need to do is change our mind; get a new perspective on the world we live in.
1n 1968, Bob Thiele and George David Weiss wrote a song for Louis Armstrong entitled, “What A Wonderful World.” I smile every time I hear that song. Take a look at the lyrics:
“I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom for me and you, And I think to myself, what a wonderful world, I see skies of blue and clouds of white, The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night, And I think to myself, what a wonderful world, The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, Are also on the faces of people going by, I see friends shakin’ hands, sayin’, “How do you do?”, They’re really saying, “I love you”, I hear babies cryin’, I watch them grow, They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know, And I think to myself, what a wonderful world, Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world, Oh yeah.”
Louis Armstrong’s song paints such a beautiful picture of the world. Even though the song itself is more than 40 years old, it’s still extremely relevant for today’s culture. “What A Wonderful World” was released in a very politically and racially charged period in history. Its positive message still serves as an inspiration for us all to “reframe” the world we live in.
In his book, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day, Mark Batterson describes “the art of reframing.” Batterson says, “Maybe our problem isn’t our circumstances, maybe it’s our perspective…” There’s no doubt we are facing bad circumstances in today’s world. But we must remember God can use them for good.
Batterson also says, “Sometimes the biggest problems present the greatest opportunities for God to reveal His Glory and work His purposes.” If Batterson is correct, and I believe that he is, we have to back up and look at the bigger picture in order to gain a new perspective.
I spent over a decade of my life working in an art gallery. We not only sold art, but framed and installed it as well. As a picture framer, I was often entrusted with valuable pieces of artwork. Sometimes our patrons wanted their pictures “reframed”. It’s amazing how much better a piece of artwork looks once it has been freshened up by the art of reframing.
So, how do you and I reframe our own perspective? We must back up a few steps and look at the bigger picture. When’s the last time you admired God’s beautiful creation? How long has it been since you looked up at the big blue sky and were left speechless?
When’s the last time you went out after a rainstorm and appreciated all the different colors of a rainbow? Try catching a sunrise or a sunset. Let your breath be taken away by the majesty and beauty of God’s heavenly color pallet.
Have you ever walked down the street and admired all of the different types people God created; no two alike…? Take a moment to admire God’s creation and think to yourself, “What A Wonderful World.”
Every morning we are blessed to wake up to some amazing sunrises over the river and every night we have beautiful moon rises as well. These “bookends” to our day have really helped us to try and stay focused on the positives in our lives. When we’re feeling discouraged or anxious, all we have to do is step outside for a few minutes. The calm of the birds and crickets chirping and the water lapping against the rocks on our little beach are great reminders of God’s glory and peace. The occasional jet flying over reminds us of how lucky we are to live in a place of freedom and opportunity, even in these tough times. They also remind us of the sacrifices that are made by others to help preserve that freedom. We are so blessed and we thank God everyday for all we have.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 – 10:12 AM
So true! just last night I walked out to view the beautiful full moon and how it was so bright it made shadows on the ground. Went so far as to take a pictiure of it and how the pool looked under the moon light. Thank you for the reminder to look for the good.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 – 10:45 AM
…Yes, i was recently (just this past Friday) in Wilmington myself. It’s been 10-12 years or more since I’ve been there but still knew my way around pretty good. I made a point of locating Market St., just to see and appreciate the beautiful and awesome oaks that hang over the street like a living canopy. I was glad to see the oaks again, alive and flourishing after all this time. Of course Market St. terminates at the waterfront so parking there, walking around downtown and taking it all in was a real treat too.
All this did remind me of how awesome and in control our God IS!
“…It’s all YOURS God, YOURS God, Everything is YOURS!”
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 – 02:49 PM
That’s what it is. We do take God’s creation for granted a lot. I’m reminded of that everytime I fly somewhere, as I did last Saturday. I have flown all over this country, and i’m still scared to fly. But I always select the window seat due to the fact of looking down on God’s creation. As i’m doing so, my fear is taking away as i’m just weaping over His beauty, and then whatever doubt I had or have of Him is erased away. On the top looking down always assures me that God is real. I remember on August 21, 2007, I was flying from Raleigh to Austin and revival hit me. I was listening to a song called “That’s All I Have To Give”. While listening to those lyrics, Lord take, take all of me at your altar, because that’s all, that’s all I have to give. I was looking out and down through the clouds, and tears were just coming down my cheeks as I was looking at His creation. I just started to praise and worship Him as I never changed the song or took my eyes off the ground below. All I could think about is how we take Him for granted.
Texas Longhorns #1
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 – 05:15 PM
I have just had a chance to “reframe” myself. Being stuck on a ship can sometimes drive you nuts, close, cramped spaces, not seeing day light for a while will make you go stir crazy. When ever I get the “itch” I will walk into the hanger bay and just stare at the ocean. I have forgotten how beautiful the ocean is. When you are underway out in the middle of the ocean the water is a deep deep blue. Sometimes the waves will be choppy and others they are so calm, they look like glass. Yesterday after pulling into port, we were bused to our current location and I was able to look out the window at the beautiful Philippine countryside. It is so beautiful and green, trees everywhere dotted with little huts throughout. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of every day “city” living we can’t see the forest for the trees. Standing in the hanger bay looking at the blue ocean, with the gentle swaying of the boat, I am reminded of God’s glory, all he has given us, as well as his love for us.
Thursday, October 16, 2008 – 10:42 AM
When I llived in New York, I loved getting out before other New Yorkers to admire the beauty of God at work, there is nothing more beautiful than snow falling upon this earth. There are others wonder of God but snow, being no two flakes are alike, how amazing is that!
Thursday, October 16, 2008 – 12:04 PM
Danny, this is one of your best. Beautiful. Wise. Provocative. Timely. Just what I needed . . .
Thursday, October 16, 2008 – 12:48 AM
Thanks for sending me the link. I love the blog and cant wait to read more. This really puts things into perspective.
I am always trying to find times in my day to be reminded of Gods beauty. That for me is one of the easiest ways to see how awesomely great and amazing he is. I like this quote the best
Batterson also says, “Sometimes the biggest problems present the greatest opportunities for God to reveal His Glory and work His purposes.” If Batterson is correct, and I believe that he is, we have to back up and look at the bigger picture in order to gain a new perspective.
I needed to hear this on a personal level. God has shown me through this time how faithful he is and he has presented me with so many opportunities that I may not have had if I were in another place. He puts us in places so we are reminded to be faithful and trust him that he will provide maybe not in the ways we thought but he is so much more creative.
Thanks for your thoughts and I cant wait to read more.
Stephanie
Thursday, November 27, 2008 – 10:14 AM