Let There Be Light. And There Was.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. Genesis 1:1-5

Sunshine warms our bodies and makes us feel better was how Kris Adler-Brammer began her children’s sermon on April 12. Those words made me sit up and take notice because when the sun shines, I often find myself seeking its warmth. In Texas, I can find a lounge chair sitting by the side of the pool, arm myself with a jug of water, a few veggies and some fruit and a soft pillow in case I need a nap and begin my day by watching and listening to the birds and sounds of the out of doors. This is what I saw and heard one morning not long ago.  

A small bird opened its beak and gave a long song. To my amusement, the mockingbird in the front yard repeated the song. Tall grass hid the identification of a small bird but her tail appearing above the grass told me it was a small wren.  Suddenly, all chatter ceased and a hawk filled the sky. Even the squirrels hid in the leaves of the live oak. Then the enemy was gone again and the cardinal called and joined his mate at a bird bath nearby. It was a busy time in the back yard that day but the birds and animals and I enjoyed every ray. 

God did see a need for light in our world just as Genesis says. He did make the light but it is our responsibility to not only enjoy the light but to take care of the light and the world he made for us. We need to appreciate and worship the world we have been given. Our state is a low water state so it will be up to us to grow plants that thrive in near drought conditions. We need to enjoy the rain if and when it comes instead of grousing about what a nasty day it is. We can practice being content with what we have not always wishing for more. Amen 

Carolyn Olsen