God’s Original Self-Expression

We grew up learning that nature was God’s creation, but often only as a backdrop to heaven, hell, and theological debates. Nature felt secondary, a lesser reflection of God’s greatness. Songs like “Fairest Lord Jesus” emphasized this by acknowledging nature’s beauty but then quickly elevating Jesus above it. Over time, we’ve realized that such comparisons are unnecessary. Contemplative spirituality has opened our eyes to see the divine in every aspect of nature. Nature is God’s original self-expression. We’ve experienced moments of awe, whether watching the ocean’s waves or connecting deeply with a beloved animal. These moments remind us that nature is not in competition with God; it is a sacred expression of the divine.

May we always recognize nature as God’s original self-expression,
honoring its sacred beauty in every moment.

(inspired by Brian McLaren, Seeing Nature as a Child (Wonder))