A Masterpiece Worthy of Our Pause

My sweet baby girl,

I hope when you get older you learn to stop and appreciate the beauty in this world. God has painted us a masterpiece here, and I hope you never take this present for granted. Each endlessly billowing ocean, magnificently majestic mountain, perfectly sculpted flower, and carefully crafted creature were placed here for the sole purpose to remind us that we are not alone in this world but are instead placed in the hands of a loving Creator who takes His time with each of His creations.

We are not a random happenstance or a mystical mistake but are instead a timeless wonder that no scientist or theologian or astrologist will ever comprehend. David says in Psalms, "Your works are wonderful I know that full well. How vast is the sum of them! If I were to count them they would outnumber the grains of sand." Remember that, my child. God is never done doing a good work in us, around us, and through us! We are tools for His kingdom that get to partake in the beauty of His painting everyday!

As I look out on this vast ocean before me I wish I could share this view with you. A view that evokes such a calming transcendence as you hear the crash of the waves on the rock and the splash of the surf hitting the sea that one can only gaze in amazement and gather a glimpse of the thrill God must have felt when He created this world for me and you. So I hope you remember, my daughter, to smell the flowers and squish the sand between your toes, because this brings joy and laughter to the heart of God.

I would like to believe He watches over us when we stop for a moment to gaze at His masterpiece and smiles as He says, "That is it, my child, drink in the reassuring peace of my presence depicted in the beauty around you." And then I see Him pausing with us as He looks around at His painting, past the darkness and sin, and sighs a satisfying, "It is good." And I hope that it is in these moments of pause, where the world speeds on around you, that you feel His loving embrace and His reminder that "He will never leave you nor forsake you." This is my wish for you, my daughter, and I hope you will cherish these moments of pause forever in your heart and in your memories.

Love you forever. Your mommy.

(Written on May 26, 2014 while on our Babymoon in Big Sur, CA)