Pleasing to the Eye

Scripture – Genesis 2:8-14: Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) As this story of creation unfolds, we see more pieces falling into place. God had already planted a garden, where He then put the man. Then all kinds of trees grew up. While some were for food, others were just “pleasing to the eye.” Could it be that some of God’s creation is here simply for us to enjoy? Maybe I don’t have to find a “use” for everything.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) A lot of days I forget to simply stop, look around at what God has created, and enjoy it. There is a lot going on right now in this season of spring. There are many things “pleasing to the eye.” I will look around and enjoy them. I’ll take at least two mini-breaks a day just to look and listen and enjoy God’s creation.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for providing so many sights and sounds to enjoy. I’m sorry I ignore so much of that. Keep my eyes and ears open today. Remind me I don’t have to go far to be amazed and enriched by your handiwork. I don’t really have to go beyond the front yard. Sometimes, I don’t even need to leave the house. Thank you for your creation. You are an awesome God.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.