Every fall as the new school year starts, teachers across the country ask their students to write an essay on what they did or saw or learned on their summer vacation. So, I thought I might get a jump on that assignment and share a few things about the Lord that I learned on my recent trip to Alaska.

Psalm 19 paints a beautiful background for my observations. It begins with, “The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they displayed knowledge.”

Even though I have made many visits to Alaska (cruising, fishing with my dad, RVing with friends, and exploring the incredible coastlines) that part of the world still takes my breath away. You simply cannot help but see the hand of God all around you.

One of my observations is that God is incredibly creative. The variegated colors of the forests are amazing. Although they call them black bears, they are often brown or tan or even cream colored. The fish are dotted, spotted and rainbowed. The sea is foamy with white caps; the rivers churn and those streams are many of shades of blue green.

God utilizes a wide array of nature to display His handiwork in a very creative fashion!

And the sounds of nature are also indicative of an attentive God. I heard birds give a clarion call. I watched animals scurry across the forest floor and I could literally hear them “chat” with each other. And the ride out into the bay to hear humpback whales “discuss” the issues of life is a life altering event. 

In nature, God sets things in place so that we are without excuse. We cannot walk outside and miss Him!

So, this week, whether you are taking a real vacation to the mountains, the beach or the desert, enjoy your smores but don’t miss HIM. Take some time to reflect on the world around you. He created it all for us to enjoy. Do so.

And if you can’t escape on a restorative trip, at least take your shoes off and walk through your back yard. Breathe in the fresh air. Sit in a lawn chair and listen for the sounds of life or silence. Observe the sun set. Pray with your eyes open.

The Lord is everywhere. Don’t miss Him.

The heavens truly declare the glory of God!