Discovery-(ing) God's Character

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If you haven't seen the first episode of Discovery Channel's North America, this is what you missed. I watched the first episode just tonight and was absolutely enthralled by the beauty of it all. Lately, I have felt like God has been trying to get my attention with creation. So far I've found that it is through his creation that we can begin to truly understand the character of God. Shoot, he's been using it for thousands of years as a way to reach people. And when we take time to look, and I mean really see what is surrounding us, how can we help but to fall in love with God?
For a long time, I think I considered God boring. He seemed far off and honestly a little strict. I'm all for rules, but I think I pictured God as the Dean of a prestigious school that had high standards and boring garden parties. Maybe this is just me, but I struggled with this for a long time. If you have ever felt either of this way, or ever do, please take a hike outside. The creator of the world doesn't have a boring bone in his body. I have two dogs that are beyond obnoxious and a little stupid, yet lately, my husband's and my favorite thing to do in the evenings is to sit and watch them play in the backyard. Lacey is a German Shepherd-Husky mix with all the ferocity of a newborn kitten and Chloe is some form of Terrier that is convinced she will someday catch a bird regardless of her inability to fly. We've watched them so long, we have developed voices for each of them to narrate the insane thoughts that must be going through their heads to make them act the way they do. I think we are drawn to watching them because through them we see a most creative Creator. The Creator of their personalities, has an amazing personality of his own.

Look at zebras, otters, billy goats and octopi. How silly are these animals? Don't you think God smiled when he created the anteater? And then smiled even more when Adam name it? I am not a very good painter, and of the paintings I do keep and hang, I often only see my mistakes. But God looked at all he created and said the it was good (Genesis 1:31). Wouldn't you agree? The Psalmist did. In Psalm 8:1 he exclaims: "Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Then in another Psalm points out the power of God through creation:

"The Lord loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of his unfailing love.

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made,

their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

He gathers the water of the seas into jars;

he puts the deep into storehouses.

Let all the earth fear the Lord;

let all the people of the earth revere him. 

For he spoke and it came to be;

he commanded and it stood firm" (Psalm 33:5-9).

The earth is full of his unfailing love. Look around and enjoy it. Look and see how the colors of a sunset paint the glory of God. Watch as a butterfly flies past you and know that God, in all his vastness, took the time to detail the spots on it's wings. Listen to the thunder and rain and hear God whisper, "I am here, I am good." If you truly want to see how fun, creative, exciting and hilarious God is, take a look outside. And if you want to enjoy a good read while enjoying creation, check out John Eldredge's book Beautiful Outlaw. Please, go outside and enjoy a front row seat to God's show of his love and joy. Take pleasure in all he has made. See how good it is. And remember that he also created you.