One of my favorite places on the planet is Kauai, Hawaii. This is the northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands. I had only traveled to Maui on our twenty-fifth anniversary and was slightly underwhelmed by the lack of green I had pictured in my mind. When I flew into Kauai, I realized all the green was here. Lush, tropical foliage everywhere, it’s a veritable jungle.

There’s something about God’s transcendent beauty that can lift our spirits and point us to the Creator. I literally cannot stop thanking God at any given moment as I glimpse His creation, including the living, breathing, sometimes irritable, rude, and impatient humans.

For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen. Wisdom 13:5

Each of us has a place on earth that sings of God’s glory. For me it is the mountains in Colorado and the ocean in Kauai. I don’t need to get in it; in fact, I prefer to stay on the beach. My sons joke that water is my kryptonite.

I want this short reflection to be a gift to you this week, as I invite you to enjoy a small glimpse of this island and the vast, magnificent ocean that surrounds it. Be open to God speaking in your heart of His love through His beautiful creation.

Imagine we are sitting on the beach; there is no need to talk as we silently take in the love the Father pours out through all He provides. It is all around us, from the ocean to the desert and everywhere in between. He is in every face we pass, the gentle breeze, the hurricane, the sunrise, and twinkling stars. He surrounds us and invites us to see and feel His gentle touch. This planet, the cosmos, is all for us: to stop and listen, to see and hear God whisper, I love you; You are mine and precious in my sight.

The world can beat us up from time to time, walk all over us, disregard and ignore us—God never will. All creation cries out, reminding us of His love and care for us. Do we look up and let ourselves be reminded of that fact, or do we let the enemy of our souls steal our joy?

Over the years in adoration, I brought to the Lord what weighed heavily on me and heard this reminder: “Eyes on Me.” I share this with you because it is for all of us to hear—Eyes on Christ. Look to what is above, to the One who loves you and died proving it. Stop being distracted by everyday annoyances and lies meant to pull you down and make you focus inward.

“Look at Me,” be reminded of my love in every cloud, every sweet cool breeze, and the laughter of a child.

“Look at Me,” and not the problem, not the perpetrator or instigator.

“Look at Me,” and know you are beyond compare and priceless in my eyes.

I AM everywhere, always near, always loving and ready to help—ask.

His solutions may look different than ours, but God’s best is best for everyone.

How precious to me are your designs, O God; how vast the sum of them!

PS 139:17      

I just wanted you to know your value and to look deeper than what’s on the surface. Accept and know God’s love for you; it’s real.

You’re welcome!
All photographs taken by Barb Lishko