My Father's World

This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought. This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. ~ two verses from the hymn "This is My Father's World" by Maltbie Davenport Babcock

Scott Spry kayaking Cole Lake ~ Paris, Michigan

As broken as we and this world are, there is still amazing beauty and the capacity for immense love and joy. Some of the most intense feelings and awesome truths we can experience are found in family, in relationships between spouses, parent and child and siblings.

Two Spry dads celebrate Father's Day in Paris, Michigan with most of their beautiful brood

From the very beginning, God’s design has been for us to live in community. As He communed with the Son and the Spirit, speaking the world and everything in it into existence, he said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)

This symbiotic relationship between husband and wife results in a dynamic entity we know as family. When we are fruitful and multiply, we join a seismic chorus proclaiming a cosmic “YES!” We may not have children of our own, but may have fostered, mentored or helped others raise theirs.

God's plan is for men to be fathers and care for their children, but because of our penchant for rebelliousness, millions of children throughout the ages have been robbed of the joy and protection of a good earthly father.

Scott Spry--astronaut hopeful--is a dedicated father, over-the-moon-in-love with his children

The Psalmist proclaims, “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” (Pslam 68:5-6)

We are currently mired in deep sorrow and weariness from virulent sickness, with culprits both micro and macro. Unfortunately, this is nothing new and the source has always been the same—ancient and modern: rebellion. Sin separates us from our heavenly father and each other resulting in chaos, pain and loss.

Primordial-like algae goo oozes on the surface of Cole Lake ~ Paris, Michigan

Weeds, disturbing weather patterns, dishonest weights and scales, terrible accidents, cancer, alcoholism, every addiction and sickness you can imagine, abortion, rape, police brutality, corruption, war, absent fathers, abusive mothers . . . sadly this list goes on and on.

“Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.” ~ Pslam 68:5-6

All of these resulted when mankind first abandoned God’s ways for his own. So how can we endure? Do we just dwell on and pursue good things?

Flowers, rainbows, justice, freedom, longevity, wellness, babies, relational bliss, peace, healthy families, good leaders, clean water, sustainable food systems, environmental prosperity . . .

Some spend their whole lives appreciating, cultivating and achieving these and myriad other things, which are good and very good. But, if we seek any or all of these to the exclusion of the Creator, it is vanity.

“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator…” ~ Romans 1:25

This aching and insatiable hunger in each of us can only be filled by God. Yeshua/Jesus tells us to seek first our heavenly father’s kingdom and his righteousness and all of our needs will be met. (Matthew 6:28-34)

THIS is the father we all need and have deep want of. He promises never to leave or forsake you. His kingdom and his righteousness are yours for the asking. They are absolutely good and he is absolutely loving. What are you waiting for? THIS is THE good news to embrace!

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The Heavens DECLARE and the Skies PROCLAIM

The awesome night sky, compliments of God; sweet photograph of the awesome night sky, compliments of my brother-in-law Eric Spry, architect extraordinaire who has an eye for beauty ~ Paris, Michigan

He who made the Pleiades and Orion, who turns midnight into dawn and darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land— the Lord is his name. ~ Amos 5:8

Eye-spy a stealth turtle among the lily pads

Kayaking, I was able to sneak up on this turtle sunning itself . . . what glorious sights and sounds!

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! ~ Psalm 8:9