As a photographer, I have been blessed to see many things first-hand that only a handful of people have been able to experience, and most of these via television programs on either PBS or the Travel Channel. Many times, the enjoyment of just being out there seeing the beauty of our planet is enjoyment enough. When that enjoyment of being out there is combined with some memorable sights, the experience is enhanced.
Only God could create what we have around us that bring us feelings of awe and contentment. We need to remember that He made this as much for Himself to behold as for us to enjoy. Sometimes we see things that cause us to just stop, sit back, and soak up what's in front of us.
Who hasn't watched the sun drop below the horizon and seen the sky light up with an array of colors that could only be found on a painter's palette? Autumn is a time of year when God's tree-filled tapestry explodes in a profusion of color only He could produce for all to look upon. During the summer months, delicate flowers spring forth from the ground to create a blanket of intricate designs, wonderful colors and sweet aromas to take in. A rainbow signaling God's covenant with us. There are countless other sights that are of majestic splendor - seeing mountains for the first time, a cascading waterfall, a pristine lake, seeing a baby animal hatching from an egg or emerge from its mother. Everyone has their own favorite creation of God they like to go and enjoy.
Recently I was able to experience something that made me thank God in prayer for His wonderful creation. While in northern Alaska to photograph northern lights, there was about 10 minutes of spectacular aurora activity one night (out of three nights of seeing the lights) that made me know God could be the only One behind this. Seeing the lights changing color and dancing across the sky like someone opening and closing drapes, the sight is one that will never be forgotten.
While scientists will try to explain this phenomena as being cause by a magnetic belt around the earth and that solar activity is what makes these clouds move around, I know this is not the case. It can only be explained by the fact that God has created a light show for Himself to look at every night that can't be matched by any special effects created for the movies. By God's loving grace are we able to participate in viewing this show.
The peaceful solitude of no nearby sounds, the crisp cold night and the light show going on overhead was more than enough to elicit a 'thank you' to God for allowing me the opportunity to experience this.
While watching and photographing this wonderful event, I imagined the aurora being God's hand and fingers reaching down to earth to subtlety caress it and us. With heaven being a place far better than anything we can imagine, having experienced this only whets my appetite for the unbelievable sights that await there.
And when I get to go see the northern lights again, I'll no doubt take time to thank Him again.
Thank you God for creating this wonderful universe for us to enjoy.
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Images of the northern lights can be found at www.firstlighttours.com/ak_mar06.html and at www.firstlighttours.com/alaska.html. Andy Long leads photo workshops to top destinations throughout North America. More Christian related articles can be found on the Christian side of his website at www.firstlighttours.com/christian.html. There is also a link on this page to the photography side of his website.
