Last week, I had the opportunity to visit beautiful Panajachel, Guatemala, with the two physical therapy students from the University of Texas Medical Branch who are completing a six-week global health rotation with us at ASELSI. They decided to go kayaking. Normally, I’d have joined them, but this time I decided to let them go alone and just enjoy the beauty of the place. 

As I sat on a bench or rested in a hammock, I started looking around. Quieting myself, I became attuned to a chorus of worship to our God, starting with the chirping of the birds, a noise I often miss in my rushing from place to place and activity to activity. I’ve recently discovered there is quite a symphony of birds outside my own house in Chichicastenango. 

As I sat, looked, and listened, I heard more. The buzzing of the flies or the humming of the crickets also praised our God. I looked across to see the mountains, rising up in worship to our King. The lake seemed to lie prostrate with waves of adoration. The birds soared across the sky without worry of their provision, knowing He would provide. What else was creation saying?

Too often, I rush through life, missing out on hearing the symphony of praise all around me and in my own heart. I’m purposing to take time to listen and look for all the ways the creation declares the glory of God and join in.

What about you? How do you see the glory of God in His creation, your life, and in the lives of others around you? How do you keep in tune to His presence all around us? 

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,and their words to all the world (Psalm 91:1-4 NLT).