By Beautiful Design

During the 6 days of Creation, God made all things. With His own voice, He not only spoke them into existence, but spoke of His desires for them. In the midst of perfection, mankind was created in the image of God. Man was meant to fill the Earth and rule over it. He placed the care of all living things into our hands. That is His desire; that we would tend to the Earth and all that dwell here with us. It's a beautiful picture of harmony and unity. A responsibility that brings Him glory, even today, because it is part of His original design for the Earth and for mankind.

So God created mankind in his own image,

in the image of God he created them; male and female 

he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and 

increase in number. Fill the Earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea 

and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.

Genesis 1:27-28

Thanks to my husband, I got my first bird feeder this spring! It didn't really catch my attention, until our quiet, empty patio came alive by the hustle and bustle of cardinals, blue jays, and finches all claiming their share of seed. Squirrels gather below, scrounging up everything the birds drop. It brings me joy and happiness to watch them. There is beauty in God's creation, and satisfaction in providing for them. Even entertainment in watching them interact with one another.

For those who love to garden, there is a stillness and peace that comes with having your hands in the Earth as you prepare the soil for seeds, or tend to flowers or produce. After all, God made man from the dirt of the Earth. We are truly in our element when we get outside and get our hands dirty.

For those who love animals, it truly must please God to see His creations interacting and bonding with one another. Before God even created Adam, He voiced His desire for man to rule over all living creatures. Yes, as responsibility, but also as a blessing. I know countless people who find tremendous joy and affection in their pets. Maybe you do too!

Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face 

of the whole Earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours 

for food. And to all the beasts of the Earth and all the birds in the sky and all the 

creatures that move along the ground-everything that has the breath of life in it- 

I give every green plant for food." And it was so. 

Genesis 1:29-30

In the midst of perfection, and God's design and desire for His Creation, there was harmonious unity between humans and everything else. Any glimpse of that original design we get today, whether it's watching birds on the feeder, playing with a beloved pet, planting a spectacular garden, cleaning up a park, catching a beautiful glimpse of nature, or something else...we are reminded of God's love for us and His love for the world He created. All that dwells here belongs to Him. May we enjoy it, care for it, and be blessed by it. After all, that's His design.