October: Observe and Acknowledge

When we arrive in the month of October, autumn comes into full swing and brings about one of my favorite times of the year - the fall foliage. As the leaves begin to change colors the world takes on a different hue and gives us a new lens in which to view our planet. In many ways, it’s an invitation to slow down after enjoying the warm summer weather and constant vacationing. There is nothing quite like waking up in the morning and feeling that cool autumn breeze as you sip your coffee or tea. When the foliage begins one word is top of mind, observation.

Psalm 8:3-4

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?

 Just as we observe the changing of the leaves during autumn, David looked and observed something else grand within creation - God’s desire to know his people. David saw that God’s creative power was beyond anything humans could comprehend. This Psalm is not so much about the beauty of the night sky as it is how the glory of God extends throughout all of creation. The nature in which God reveals himself as Creator to his creation is not something that can be overstated, nor should it be overlooked. When we look and observe the created world around us, we find that the finite (humanity) is experiencing the infinite (creative order). David realizes that his fleeting life is still something of great value to the Divine Creator of the cosmos. Yes, the Creator of the heavens and earth desires to know us and be known by us. In a transient world humanity is forced to look upon creation as something that existed before him / her and will exist after he /she leaves this earth. 

We can often overlook our contribution to the world and even our community. The sheer scale of our planet can cause us to freeze up, never truly realizing the call that has been bestowed upon each of us. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths. Open your eyes and stare out your window and know that God has for you a unique calling. The world may never see it, but the One who crafted the moon, and the stars will. 

Psalm 8:5

Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.

God’s creative design was to give humanity a purpose here on this earth, not simply to pass through waiting for eternity. The Psalmist here echoes what was stated in Genesis 1:28, “Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” Being put in charge of our planet seems like an awfully big task, yet God saw it good to be that way. As we prepare ourselves for the changing of the season, let us consider the position that God has placed us in. He has given us a purpose to serve one another, care for our world, and neighbor. For each of us there is both the inward and outward call to serve, that which will be seen and that which is unseen. How can we effectively use such a beautiful glory that has been bestowed upon us? Consider that question as we move into a new season. 

Peace to you,

Rev. Taylor Kibler