Tonight

we discussed chapter 13 of Pastor Harrison's marvelous work A Little Book on Joy.  The creation proclaims God's praises and invites us to join in.  It was a great conversation.  I've mentioned before that our maple in front of the parsonage almost always turns yellow.  This year, it turned red.  The wonder of the dragon flies flitting about.  The bright and shining Harvest moon.  The stars and the moon glistening on snow.  The first promise of spring with the burst of crocus.  The marvel of the smell of lilacs in spring and "when lilacs last..."  The unmatchable and delectable perfume of hyacinths or the feast of standing beneath an apple tree in bloom.  The majesty of clouds at sunset, summoning us:  "Let us go to the house of the Father!" (Akathist of Thanksgiving)  The blue, blue sky in October and the sound of whippoorwills.  The swift flight of the deer.  Birds playing "you can't get me" with the cat, and sometimes losing.  The sight of the first robin in spring.  The shining of the stars upon the night of the Nativity.  Carols in the frosty air.  Cookies baking in a kitchen.  Family gathered and thanking the Lord. The creation, yes, the creation itself coaxes us into thanksgiving and praise and helps us grasp that this amazing world has been given to us in love for us to enjoy, to celebrate, to thank God for, and to sing His praises over.  Joy in the creation indeed.