If you weren't with us last Wednesday, you missed a thought provoking conversation on the Spiritual Significance of Self-Awareness led by Dr. Kelly Breen Boyce. Here is a reminder of some of what we talked about.
Over the fourth of July holiday, I went to visit my dear friend, Nicole, out West. We ate wonderful meals, got facials at a spa, slept in, and reminisced about our days in graduate school together. There’s little else I could want in a vacation. During the trip, we also went to Zion National Park in Utah. Born and bred in the South, I have spent much time in the Blue Ride and Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. In such stark contrast to the serene greens, blues and greys of our mountain ranges, the red rocks of the American West stand uniquely their own. While in the park, we hiked a well-known trail called The Narrows. Over half of the hike requires wading through the river, making sure to steady your footing while navigating the slippery rocks. The perpendicular walls enveloping you continue to narrow as you trek deeper into the gorge. The slow pace forced by the rushing water below gave me plenty of time to notice all of the variations in the red rocks and to marvel in this rugged beauty that only desert conditions could sustain. Radically different from my familiar North Carolina mountains, I was struck by the creativity of God. Not only did give us the gift of mountains, he created mountain ranges and rock formations with such diversity.
Appreciating the beauty of God’s creation, I remembered a famous quote by one of the earliest church Fathers, St. Augustine:
Men go abroad to wonder at the height of mountains, the huge waves of the sea, the long course of rivers, the vast compass of the ocean, the circular motion of the stars...but they pass by themselves and don't even notice.
As impressive and majestic are the red rocks of Utah, we, as people created after God’s own image, are more robust reflectors of the glory and nature of God.
“God spoke: ‘Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature.’”
Genesis 1: 26
A prayer of response: Our Father, as we enjoy the beauty of your creation, may we be reminded that even much moreso than a majestic mountain range or the vast ocean, we most accurately reflect your nature and glory. With that firm belief, help us to tend to ourselves and others with great care and attention.
Written by: Dr. Kelly Breen Boyce
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