How many are your works, Lord!
    In wisdom you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
 There is the sea, vast and spacious,
    teeming with creatures beyond number—
    living things both large and small.

Psalm 104:24-25

I love spending time in nature because I can see God’s creations so much clearer. 

My favorite place in nature is the beach. I love:

• hearing the waves splash onto the beach,

• feeling the sand underneath my toes,

• staring out into the deep blue and green waters,

• smelling the salty air,

• and even tasting salt as the waves splash over my face.

This year, I spent my birthday on Marco Island, Florida. One day, we took a short boat ride to a smaller, unoccupied island to look for seashells. I love seashells, but you can’t find them on every beach.

Seashells represent just one part of God’s creation. God has placed different varieties of shells throughout different parts of the world. According to the Conchologists of America, there are between 50,000 and 200,000 types.

Every piece of creation offers diversity like this.

More than 2,500 types of palm trees can be found around the world. More than 7,500 varieties of apples grow on planet earth. The latest research from the American Museum of Natural History found 18,000 species of birds — nearly double the previous number.

I’m amazed at God’s creation. I find it interesting that He chose to put certain creations in different places. For instance, you only find seashells near the ocean. You only find Polar Bears in arctic conditions. Each creation thrives in its own habitat.

You are a piece of God’s handiwork too. God made your hair color, your eye color, your personality, and everything that makes you unique. God made you to fulfill a special purpose that no one else can do.

Spend some time today praising God as Creator. Reflect on your favorite parts of creation and how He has made you and your family members unique.

Stacy