Monday, January 23, 2017

Pretty Places from God

   As a family, we spent several days in the Asheville, NC area and fell in love with the mountains all over again. Whatever location we have visited over the years, we are always amazed by the beauty and grandeur of this created world. 
   One of our days, we were able to do some hiking and also took opportunity to visit the Fred W. Symmes chapel (also known as "Pretty Place" https://campgreenville.org/pretty-place/). During our short visit there, we were able to snap many pictures, sit and take in the view, and contemplate the Lord's beautiful creation and handiwork. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge" (Psalm 19:1-2 ESV).
   From this location, we were able to see for many miles across both South Carolina and North Carolina. Even in the winter, the beauty of the mountains was very breathtaking. The following picture was taken by my son, Kris Rodgers.
   While the winter season takes its toll on the landscape, it is a reminder how our winter seasons can take their toll on us. We look forward to those springtime blooms to sprout and the colors to show their vibrant hues. What we fail to  remember is that they were there all along, just lying dormant. 
   It is true in our lives that God is always there. Consider Acts 17:27-28, "...though he is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being..." [NKJV]. The Hebrews writer reminds us of God's promise: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). When we realize that God is there even in our wintry days, we find peaceful assurances for each day's faithfulness to God, the Creator, Sustainer, and Savior of our lives. Then, we have found God's "pretty place" for our lives. May God continue to bless you each day.

Wayne Rodgers