In this space last week, Chris Kozlowski reminded us how our summer outings and vacations are times to slow down, be present, and stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of God’s creation and of family, friends, and all people.
For many years, my vacation was a camping trip with family and friends at a campground on the shore of Lake Michigan in Cross Village. Cross Village is on the north end of the awe-inspiring “Tunnel of Trees,” the twenty-mile stretch of road along the lake leading north from Harbor Springs. I knew I was close to God in the beautiful setting of nature and the company of loved ones. Chris’ writing led me to reflect on those trips and pull out my camping photos. I also prayed over some of the Psalms that call us to “awe and wonder”:
“O God, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all,The earth is full of your creatures.”
(Psalm 104:24)
“All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; Break into song, sing praise!”
(Psalm 98:3–4)
“The earth is full of the steadfast love of God.”
(Psalm 33:5)
And this from the Book of Wisdom:
“From the greatness and the beauty of created things, their original author, by analogy, is seen.”
(Wisdom 13:5)
