Imagine

Snowy Egret

I've been on this earth for 20 years now, and there's one thing I never get tired of: Nature's beauty. Whether it's the eternal flute-like song of a Hermit Thrush echoing through the mountains, carpets of wildflowers on the forest floor in May, a massive thunderstorm that cries with crackling thunder, or something as humble as delicate moss on a rock, they are all truly pieces of beautiful artwork made by an amazing designer. However, what I have realized is that creation isn't at it's full potential. It is under a curse.
At a church service a couple weeks ago, the pastor really explained a verse that I read about last year. "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now" Romans 8:22 (ESV). When sin entered the world, all of creation was cursed and not just human beings. The world is in the pains of childbirth, and all plants, animals, rocks, clouds, whatever God made is groaning and awaiting the return of the King.
So, what does this have to do with what I said in the beginning? Well, many of us can agree that the nature around us is beautiful, but can you imagine how vibrant the colors of birds would be in heaven? Or massive trees in autumn leaves? A meadow blushing with wildflowers? Even all of the insects? Or the songs of birds? I'm not saying that they are going to heaven because they don't have souls to save them, but God is preparing a place for His children heaven as we speak, and I'm sure He will have His artwork. It would be His creation before the fall. I can't even describe or imagine how beautiful the woods will be when I birdwatch with Jesus in the best place ever! So next time you see that bird singing on a branch, think about that same bird after Christ has returned to earth, and how awesome it's song will be praising it's Creator forever.