The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein. Ps 24:1

Hopefully, the picture of us standing on the shoreline of Bubble Lake at Acadia National Park in Maine whets your appetite to read on. Before that…..

There’s a story of a young boy who asked his dad to buy him a TV.  The good dad responded and treated his son to a state-of-the-art television set.  Sadly, his son “treated” him back with a solid dedication to watching the TV rather than tending, guarding, and honoring the father-son relationship they once had. 

So we’ve found the same deceptive lure to be present in the case of our tours of God’s special playgrounds called National Parks. My wife’s passion for visiting all of our 63 National State Parks has been so consistent for so many years that it’s become contagious for me too.  Up to this point we’ve visited 42 of the 63 National Parks in the United States.  We’re truly blessed to have had the time, health, desire and ability to visit these, and even more planned for next year.  In the midst of it all, however, it’s been easy to get caught up in the grandeur and the stunning scenery, and not pause to thank God for His creative genius in making it all available.  

In today’s message, may I share our heart’s desire in the challenge of our future visits.  Collecting memories as we appreciate the magnificent mountain ranges, breathtaking canyons, striking coastlines, picturesque plains, and the lush forests that come with them will remain a must. 

More vital than that, however, will be our renewed commitment to recognize and applaud God’s Creative hand in the Parks we visit.  Our rededicated purpose will be to remind ourselves and others of the precious heart of our Creator who had us in mind as beneficiaries of His playground genius. There’s nothing more rewarding than walking in His divine will; the One that sheds light, gets personal results, and pleases our Father in Heaven.  

Col 1:16; Gen 1:1-2; John 1:1-3; Rev 4:11; Heb 11:3; Rom 1:20; Jer 32:17