Dec 01 2008
My Father’s World
“This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears, all nature sings and round me rings, the music of the spheres.”
Maltbie Babcock loved God’s creation. How can I be so sure? While some would recognize creation’s visual beauty, others its diversity, still others its vastness, Babcock begins his famous hymn speaking of creation’s voice.
We live in a world which competes for our attention. If we allow it to happen, every moment of every day can become filled with noise, chaos, and things. While the responsibilities of life certainly have a right to our time and attention, stepping back and taking a good look at and listen to creation will go a long way toward helping us reorder our priorities and reground our lives.
I relish my time up close and personal with God’s creation. With repeated exposure I have learned to look deeper, to see some of the intricacies of this marvelous planet we call home for awhile. I’ve learned to see. Now, I’m learning to hear.
Other creature’s voices. The yipping coyote or a chorus in four-part harmony. The howling wolves letting us know they are near. Elk bugling their challenge across the canyon. A fox’s eery bark. Eagles screaming upon the wind. Sandhills warbling encouragement to their companions. Trumpeter Swans sounding their horn to a listening world.
And the smaller sounds. A wren trilling her morning praise to her Creator. The wind, whispering in near silence or roaring as a storm passes through. The croaking frogs. The chirping crickets. The tiny spring which giggles quietly as it slips down the hill.
All this and more I have learned to hear. And as I have listened, new sounds have been added to my repertroire. The latest, the voice of lake ice.
In previous winters I have been blessed to hear the muted deep bass boom of ice, cracking under its mantel of snow. Recently, however, I have heard the resounding deep bass boom of snow free ice echoing its voice from the nearby hills.
However, today, I enjoyed the most amazing sound of all. The warbling wave of the ice’s soprano voice, elevated and diminished as it moved back and forth just under the surface. What an amazing sound! What an amazing Creator!
I thank You Lord that it has pleased You to fill our world with such beauty and diversity. From the greatest to the smallest, truly in wisdom You have created them all. May my heart join the song as your Creation sings you praise.
