Romans 1:19 - “because that which is
known about God is evident within them: for God made it evident to
them.”
A few days ago my kiddos had lunch
underneath their 'secret picnic tree' (Hannah's words). I love that
the weather has been so great for enjoying the outdoors lately (It
has meant that they've enjoyed it, and I've been able to get a lot
more done!), and I couldn't resist getting a pic of them taking part
in such a simple pleasure. They often remind me that I need to stop
every once in a while and do the same.
I often wonder if a big reason why our
culture feels so disconnected from God is because we don't spend
enough time enjoying this kind of simplicity. I know we're always
talking about how technology has divided our attention and how we
need to put down the iPhones, etc, but maybe some of us have a hard
time pulling away from it all because we don't know what we're
missing.
Anytime I go camping or just spend some
time in the outdoors for a while, away from my home and everything
that is comfortable and easy, I am reminded of what it's like to feel
as though I'm a part of something so much bigger. In life I get
caught up in the 'here and now'. As a wife and mother, life can be
very ordinary – the messes are big, the children are loud, the
dishes are aplenty, and the laundry is unending. When is there a
moment to contemplate the big questions of the universe?
But away from all of that? Under a vast
starry sky and a moon bathing the earth in its light? That's when I
get it. That's when I feel it again – the eternity that He
has set in my heart. How BIG is THAT? He has
made Himself evident to us within our own hearts. You would think
we'd spend less time ignoring it.
That's why the things of this earth
will never satisfy me. That's why I have desires that can't be filled
here and now. That's why I crave purpose and meaning beyond what the
world can give me.
But it is comforting to know that one
day all that will be fulfilled, and I would do well to more often
remember the hope for eternity that is within me. Perhaps I need to
get a secret picnic tree to retreat to every once in a while.
