He Speaks to Me Everywhere

This past week has been a difficult one, but has also been a time to recharge and reconnect.  I feel recharged in my creativity and reconnected with several friends and family members.  My Heavenly Father has made Himself very real to me this week in many ways and through many interactions.  That made me remember this beautiful painting in our church.

A beautiful mural in Chapel Hall at Chapel by the Sea n Clearwater, Florida

Little did I realize that the words on this mural are actually from one of my favorite hymns.   And I just now stumbled on the story by the hymn written by Malthie D. Babcock - where he always told his wife "I'm going out to see my Father's world" as he went out for his daily morning walk.

This is my Father's world,

the birds their carols raise,

the morning light, the lily white,

declare their maker's praise.

This is my Father's world:

he shines in all that's fair;

in the rustling grass I hear him pass;

he speaks to me everywhere.

Text: Maltbie D. Babcock

Music: Trad. English melody; adapt. by Franklin L. Sheppard 

So during this past week I enjoyed some springtime scenery in East Tennessee that I've not seen in several years now that we live in sunny Florida.  Dogwoods, irises, mountains -- they were all just breathtakingly beautiful during my trip back to my hometown.  He even spoke through the terrible storms that blew all around us on April 27th and placed a hedge of protection around us when so many others were harmed by the tornadoes and high winds.

As much as I love East Tennessee and having grown up in such a lovely place, I love West Central Florida even more.  I'm so lucky to have even more beauty to return home too after last week's visit.

I have so many more pictures I could post, but suffice it to say there is so much beauty all around us - regardless where we physically are.  He speaks to me not only through nature, but through others and various situations too - if I'll only take time to listen.

Tomorrow starts another busy work-week.  It will be tempting to become so engrossed in the deadlines and the details of everything that has to be done.  I'm challenging myself to be more mindful, more aware of everything around me.  He does speak to me everywhere.  I'm going out to see my Father's world too.

Have a great week everyone!