Category: Our Cool Planet

There is something wonderful, and at the same time humbling, in carefully watching the gathering clouds of an approaching storm front. The south winds freshen and the skies grow darker and more ominous until suddenly there comes those first fat raindrops. The smell of rain in the air after a prolonged dry spell, is a fragrance that has no comparison. As the front moves through the rain intensifies and sometimes flows down in torrents. It washes everything clean and soaks deep into the earth, activating and invigorating all the life within it. Rainy days can be such a blessing for a garden and for the gardener, too. For they give us a time to rest and catch up on things inside the shop. But most of all, , it is the privilege of watching God’s renewing forces at work in His creation. A rainstorm is a marvel. It is a flowing, moving, active work of art set in play by a breath from the lips of our gracious God.

I find that storms are a gateway for my imagination to see into the larger picture of God’s creative work. Think of it, this Earth, and these natural cycles of rain and sun that wash over it; All meant for the blessing of His creation of living plants and organisms. We live in such an amazing and fragile world, there is nothing like in the entire known universe. in comparison to the width and breadth of the heavens above, this place where all of life exists is mostly within a few miles of the Earth’s surface. Life tightly hugs to this tiny speck of rock, and is lost against the backdrop of billions upon billions of galaxies. We live in such a soft and tender world, surrounded by an almost infinite space that is harsh and unlivable. This place, our garden home called Earth, is no accident, but the evidence of a kind and loving God made manifest in the physical realm. It is our home, a precious creation.

As I look out over my rain drenches garden, I am humbled beyond measure, to realize the many blessings God has poured out upon us. For He has given us every green herb and tree to be useful and beneficial for us. They give us food, medicine, and useful materials that we use and depend on each day. We have not begun to understand the uses, importance, and wonderful secrets that lie hidden within our gardens and found in every plant that grows upon this earth. There are lessons still to be learned that God has yet to whisper to us through the sounding boards of His own creation. What an infinite palette He has given us to work with. With them, He feeds those who are hungry and makes our lives better in so many ways. How much greater could we have been blessed?

After the storm has passed, I like to stroll out into the gardens. Everything is made fresh and new after the dust has been washed from their leaves and each root has soaked up its fill of life giving water. I like how the sunlight sparkles through the water droplets on the leaves and flowers after a good rain. It’s as if in their joy, each plant reflects the brilliant flashes of the love of God outward for all to see. For through the abundance of His blessing, we can see more plainly the exceeding love and goodness of our God.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life”.  John 8:12

There is a substance found within plants that is one of the greatest miracles in all of creation. It is called chlorophyll, one of the key components that sustains life here on Earth. You may know it as the stuff within plants that makes them green. God created chlorophyll to be the pathway for the energy of sunlight to become incorporated into the substance of life. It allows plants to convert sunlight into the basic materials used by all living things. When sunlight shines on a plant, the chlorophyll within its leaves is activated and begins a complex chemical process called photosynthesis that forms sugars and gives off oxygen. How wonderful then is chlorophyll, for in every breath we take and with each bite of food we eat, it has provided us through its life sustaining qualities.

The sun is the light source of our planet, but Jesus is the light of life for all mankind. Many times in the Gospels, Jesus refers to Himself as the one who brings light into the world, who casts away darkness, and shines forth the light of God. His light is truth and righteousness, it exposes the hidden things of darkness. The light of Christ gives eternal life to all who dwell within its brightness and glory. Those who follow Him are called ‘children of the light’.

A substance is found within some people called faith. Faith is like the chlorophyll found in plants, because it enables us to soak up the light of God. It makes manifest the life of Jesus Christ within us. Producing for all the world, the products of His light. These are good works, love, righteousness, healing, and all forms of the personality of God. Faith is a miracle in the spiritual world, just as chlorophyll is a miracle in the created world. It is not of our doing, but the reaction of our hearts and minds to the revelation of God through His Word, His Spirit, and His Son. As He shines these upon our lives, many scurry off into the shadows away from this light. But some, walk out into the open, and there, receive the full brilliance of God’s light. When God’s love is mixed with our faith, we are changed and forgiven; healed and made new by God’s power and grace. Praise be to our God and to His Son, Jesus Christ.

Every plant requires light to survive. Most need it in abundance. As children of God, we should be careful not to shade ourselves from His light. Unlike plants, we have legs that can carry us far away from the light of God. We can entangle and cover ourselves with things that deflect His life from shining down upon us. This is harmful, and slows down the process of sharing His love abroad. Therefore, nurture your faith. Remain in His light, as He is in the light; polish your leaves; remove the dark shrouds; take in as much light, knowledge, and power as you are able and your light will become as a beacon for all who come near.