Don Miller, in his book "To Own A Dragon" tells a story of a conversation he and his mentor, John MacMurray had while watching the sun set. Don was asking if John believed that God made the sunset for our benefit. John said something to the effect that God made the sunset "To dazzle us". Don asked John:
"So He did, or didn't do it?"
"He did it, but He did it for us."
"Us? You mean you and me?"
"Us. He did it for His children. That is what beauty is for. All this beauty exists so you and I can see His glory, His artwork. It's like an invitation to worship Him, to know him."
"You think?"
"Absolutely Don. Beauty doesn't make any sense apart from God giving a gift to His children. Think about it. Is there a Darwinian explanation for beauty? Not really. It's a love letter. That's all. It's this massive letter to creation inviting us to enjoy Him. I'm always telling the kids that sunsets are God's final brushstrokes on the beauty of the day."
"But why would He do that?"
"Because that's who He is."
I was reminded of this conversation the other night as Katie and I, and a few friends lay on the deck behind our house, snuggled together, watching a meteor shower. It was an amazing display of beauty, and power. I felt a sense of connectedness. I felt close to God. I felt "dazzled."
"So He did, or didn't do it?"
"He did it, but He did it for us."
"Us? You mean you and me?"
"Us. He did it for His children. That is what beauty is for. All this beauty exists so you and I can see His glory, His artwork. It's like an invitation to worship Him, to know him."
"You think?"
"Absolutely Don. Beauty doesn't make any sense apart from God giving a gift to His children. Think about it. Is there a Darwinian explanation for beauty? Not really. It's a love letter. That's all. It's this massive letter to creation inviting us to enjoy Him. I'm always telling the kids that sunsets are God's final brushstrokes on the beauty of the day."
"But why would He do that?"
"Because that's who He is."
I was reminded of this conversation the other night as Katie and I, and a few friends lay on the deck behind our house, snuggled together, watching a meteor shower. It was an amazing display of beauty, and power. I felt a sense of connectedness. I felt close to God. I felt "dazzled."
7 comments:
yeah, that was a good gift!
I enjoyed it...my sciatica didn't though...
Yeah, the deck isn't exactly a Sealy Posturepedic!
Oh, Jimmy, thanks for the nice comment on my blog, and thanks for your sweet words. Your family has a place to stay in Chicago, forever. As long as they like air mattresses and sausage.
I am not sure that I am in the right place, but I would like to respond to the Christian-Culture issue. My personal belief is that many are so-called Christians, but there is a deciding difference between the sticker wearers and the soul-sharers. It is in the nature of Jesus, Himself. Many people believe in God, some even say they know Jesus. But do they really???? Jesus is REAL, just as real today, as 2000 years ago. The question is, are we willing to make the choice to believe and have a relationship with Him. That takes more than many can fathom.
I know - I have been on both sides and there is NO doubt in my mind that Jesus is not fiction, but it takes a bit of sacrificing our worldly ideas to seem like the odd man out. He is not a cliche and I might think He resents being treated as such. It's not about us and our measures...it's about Him.
Some of you may understand this, some of you may not. I challenge you to talk to Jesus about this - honestly, with no agendas. Then, be prepared for an answer.
I am far from a saint, believe me. But I AM forgiven, and that makes this world bearable and exciting, both. Jesus is the only answer, and He told us that it is our choice to open the door when He knocks.
I pray for those of you who don't know, to have the courage to open the door. Life will have meaning, joy, challenge and rewards.
Jake
wow! what a kool blog! stumbled upon you when I google Kevissimo ;)
love your writings!!
~Izabella
Thanks for stopping by Izabella! Kevin is one of my favorite artists!!!
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