When I Consider...

Dr. Gary Nelson

"When I consider your heavens..."

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"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor." (Psalm 8:3-5)

"When I consider..." That's a vital statement! Believe it or not I think it all begins with taking the time to "consider," or "wonder." (Why else do you think "Wednesday Wonderings" is so important for me?) It's when we stop to "consider" that our spiritual journey and our life receive a blessing beyond belief.

Today we live in a world where we are almost constantly "entertained" with information and amusement. The next time you're in a public place with others waiting for something, notice the number of folks who are using electronic devices to catch up on messages, play games, etc. Our electronic connections are great at times, but also run the risk of filling our every waking moment and leaving very little opportunity for simply "considering."

Last week Patti and I spent a night on the Castaway Caboose. It's part of a train ride in a remote area of West Virginia. They took us in our own private caboose for the night out along the tracks by the river, disconnected us, and left us alone for the night. As our campfire died and the last toasted marshmallow was consumed, God rolled out over us the wondrous heavenly carpet you see in the picture, and we began to "consider."

I love to take the time to "consider." Like the psalmist, I'm aware of the majesty of God and divine creation as well as my tiny, tiny place in all of that splendor. However, the psalmist makes a very important point. The wonder of it all is not meant to make me feel small and insignificant. The glory of God's creation is meant to remind me of the "glory and honor" with which I also have been made! As a child of God my life is just as important as the wonder and majesty of all the stars when I look to heaven. When I stop to "consider" all of that I feel humbled and joyous. I can't help but respond to God with praise, thanksgiving, and a renewed commitment to fulfill my role as a servant of the One who cares so much. I pray that God will remind and invite me to stop my busyness from time to time to "consider." How about you?

Blessings and Peace,
Gary
Pastor, Sand Hill United Methodist Church
Boaz, West Virginia

Help save lives! For more information on my new book, "A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression," visit www.survivingteendepression.com.

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