The Beauty of the Outside World!

     Summer passed so quickly!  Here we are, easing into this transitional season--cool mornings, sunny afternoons, lovely evenings.  I was outside last night.  The air had a slight chill and the sky was clear.  The Big Dipper was easily visible, along with a thousand other stars, the kind of nighttime sky you love to sit and study for awhile.  Cassiopeia, Pisces,  the Great Square--unimaginably far away, yet right there, above me!  For me, there is nothing quite like a clear view of the stars to pique my wonder and amazement at God's vast and inspiring power. 

     I guess I picked up the habit of gazing from my mother.  She used to point things out and encourage me to really look at them.  So, even now, I gaze at everything:  tiny flowers emerging from the lawn in spring; the shape of leaves; the underside of a mushroom.  

     There is so much in the "outside" world that fascinates me, and brings questions to my mind.  How does that huge squash plant come from such a small, flat seed?  Why are strawberries red?  How do the birds know when its time to come north in spring, and when its time to fly south for winter?  What puts the pungent smell in the leathery skin of a hickory nut?  God has made such a wondrous world, and I am so excited to be surrounded by it, every day!

     As a child my mom ordered a set of books for us.  It was called The Book of  Knowledge.  It had a bunch of volumes and every one was a treasure.  Each contained history, poems, kid friendly projects, and a section of questions with answers--the kinds of questions, like the ones above, that every kid asks.
     I was so fortunate to have a mom who appreciated the curiosity of her children and encouraged them to explore their world.  In fact, it was she who first helped me to realize the value of looking up as she pointed out the beautiful Milky Way, making its long, sweeping path across the sky.  We lived in a rural part of Connecticut, and without the intrusion of city lights, the night sky was sparklingly clear and sharply visible.  To this day, I am a star gazer.

     Do you ever contemplate what a blessing it is to be curious, not just about the stars, but about everything?  To ask a question and seek out an answer?  To be free to explore the world?  To read a book, wander through a museum, hike a mountain trail just to see what's there?   Not everyone enjoys such freedom.  Not everyone can pretty much come and go as he pleases.  Not everyone is encouraged to look beneath the surface.  These are such amazing gifts!

     As the days cool, I find myself more and more outside, soaking in the wonder around me. Not long ago my grandson slept over.  Before going to bed we sat on the front porch.  I pointed out the Big Dipper.  He was enthralled and asked if we could look through the binoculars.  Of course!  Would I discourage such curiosity?  Like autumn,  childhood only lasts so long!  We won't be out here come winter, sitting in the snow and cold, so now is our moment.  What a wonderful time of year to enjoy the wonders of nature.  To encourage a new generation of seekers.  To pass along a heritage of curiosity and appreciation for the beauty God has provided in the "outside" world!

TODAY'S  AWESOME  BLESSING:   Having curious grandchildren to share my love of nature!