12. HEAR THE SIMPLE JOY

Tuesday, December 14^th
(EARS)

The heavens are telling the glory of God;
    and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
    and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
    their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
Psalm 19:1-4 (NRSV)

For your own joy and happiness, reevaluate what you watch and listen to. (Unknown, found at Happiness Around)

It’s not in the hearing that improves life. It’s in the listening. ~ Jackie Trottmann

I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. A magical thing. And sweet to remember. We are nearer to Spring than we were in September. I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. ~ Oliver Herford

Today our invitation is to pay attention to the sounds of joy, especially in God’s good creation. Several Bible verses speak of creation resounding with joyful praise, and this makes perfect sense; for God in Christ is IN all of creation. The universe began with every energy particle needed to create the beauty of nature, Jesus, and all of us.

My daily walks and our weekend hikes serve as holy spaces. I feel so close to God when I am outside, taking in the wonder of all God has created…

The sounds of nature do ring with joyful praise! I notice how cheerful birdsong gradually begins earlier and becomes louder as it heralds in the springtime. Our grand-dogs bark to enthusiastically greet us, tails wagging, as we turn into the driveway. Squirrels chatter as they chase around on the tightropes of branches and wires. The breeze briskly rustles through the leaves, clearing them for the winter. A cardinal sings out clearly, eagerly calling for its mate. The rainfall on our roof sounds like applause, and the thunder still reminds me of angels bowling. Frogs croak with a low hum while crickets add their background chirps. Gentle streams seem to bubble up, while rushing waterfalls seem to burst forth with joy!

Today, let’s try to find a few minutes to be out in nature, being mindful to notice joyful sounds. Let’s thank God for this small moment of worship and praise, for this beautiful creation, and for this joy that abounds. May we absorb the sounds of joy to carry with us throughout our day, and may we too, become part of nature’s joyful worship and celebration.

Listen. Where do you hear creation singing with joy today?

Prayer: God of this incredible creation, thank you for the sounds of joy. Enable me to fully join with all of creation to sing of your joy and love. Remind me of my reasons for joy, and let my words or songs resound with nature’s glorious praise. Amen.

Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/