Connection not Perfection

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20

The older I get, the more I want to be in nature and the beauty of the countryside. I think this is because I have always had such an awe of God’s majesty revealed in the making of a sunset, the intricacy of a snowflake, or the magnificence of the autumn colors highlighted by sunlight. I feel closer to God in nature and I think this is by the Creator’s design. These days, it’s all too easy to get lost in our screens and our to-do lists that we succumb to society’s obsession with self-preoccupation. But, it’s often what can be clearly seen in God’s creation that calls us back to what is most important. 

Sometimes we hesitate to seek out God for fear of not being perfect enough, but God never expected perfection in our human state. I’m pretty sure God was not surprised when the first two people He created didn’t last long without falling to temptation and prideful action.  Too often, I think we are focused on our own failings when God wants us to focus on Him…His strength, not our weakness…His control, not our lack of it…His all-knowing nature, not our unknowing ones…His never changing love, not our ever changing devotion. God does not expect perfection, but wants connection with us. It is why He sent His only Son to die for us. “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:19-22

Yes, we make mistakes and need forgiveness, but we also need to draw near to God. I know that one place I can seek Him out and have connection with my Creator is in His creation. I don’t need to be polished and sparkling, but can come as I am, needing His grace and often needing a reminder of who He is. A loving God who says to come as you are. And I’m forever grateful that the God who lights up the sky with lightning and rustles the leaves with the whispering wind is the One who wants to hold my hand.