The creative mother "opens windows to God's artistry and greatness." We recently took a family camping trip to the mountains. My husband loves the mountains, caves, rocks, forests, and most everything outdoors. I always preferred "anytown USA" with its restaurants and shops. Until meeting him and going on camping adventures together, I did not appreciate the outdoors. We traveled to the Grand Canyon and explored Utah on several different trips early in our marriage. God revealed himself to me in his creation in ways I will never forget during these times. "And while I believe that human creations can indeed be indirect expressions of God's creativity, I also believe that the farther we move from nature the more out of touch we can get with God's power and reality." (p.186) It was just wonderful to see our three children experience God's creation...hiking, camping, caving, climbing. We saw beautiful waterfalls, mountains and trees. The kids were sitting on a rock in a creek and said, "look at the big worm daddy!" My husband said, "where is the big worm?" They replied, "between those two rocks." (I love God's creation, but snakes still give me chills). I did not see the "big worm" thankfully. I must admit that there were times when I missed my comfy bed and my ceiling fan. (While I was trying to sleep while sweating with three kids, two adults, and a golden retriever all in the tent) But we were making memories, stretching ourselves, and enjoying God's creation. "So many of us in our plastic industrial world spend the bulk of our lives apart from any true natural beauty. We travel inside protected cars and feel the wind, rain, and snow on our faces only as we move from one enclosure to another. So many children in our industrial society grow up surrounded by glass, plastic, steel and asphalt. The spend most of their time with machines, televisions and stereos, game consoles and computers, and cars. They are rarely exposed to the natural elements that were meant to daily confront our soul with the greatness of God." (p.186)
So, looking back on this chapter confirms that we need many more camping trips together. We need to explore and reflect even in our own backyard.
I keep reading the "keeping perspective" (p.194-195) section of this chapter. Sally puts into words here just how great our role as mothers is and yet reminds me that we are not alone and all we need comes from the "Master Designer" himself.
I would love to hear about ways you and your family enjoy and experience God's creation and the ways God is making you a creative mother.
(Two more chapters to discuss...please email or post a comment about what you would like to read next!)
