“Praise the Lord!
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work…
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful…
He has shown his people the power of his works…
The works of his hands are faithful and just…
Holy and awesome is his name!” Psalm 111:1-4,6-7,9
“How great are your works, O Lord!
Your thoughts are very deep!” Psalm 92:1-5
“O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24
“And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, ‘Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!'” Revelation 15:13
Purple clouds hatch the dark sky, leaving criss-cross scars as a reminder of the hand that etched them there. Yet another divine signature to behold and savor as day begins, awakening desire to keep looking, and expectancy to find and see.
Do we attribute wisdom and righteousness in leadership, prosperity and order in possessions, and happiness of spirit to human effort and accomplishment, or the Sovereign of all things? Is there notice we crave for our efforts, credit we clamor to take for the work of our hands? Or do we acknowledge that everything comes from God, who is the Source of every good gift and is bounteous toward His children? (1 Kings 10:1-9; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13; 1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17)
When the sun rises and we awaken to a new dawn, and the sun sets on course to finish that day with a blaze of color that takes our breath away, thank God for His faithfulness and steady hand. When the breeze plays wind chimes in a doleful toll, when birds take flight in graceful dark vees against pale sky, when the scent of unseen jasmine blooms turn our heads in delight, all causing unbidden memories to appear, and the heart to squeeze and sing, His splendor and handiwork be praised. Indeed, His signature is the beauty of things.
When a dreaded conversation is woven with grace, a reasonable, creative solution comes to mind, a conundrum resolves with new understanding, thank God for His guidance and answered prayer. When our minds are cross-hatched with new ideas, alerted to new insights, enlightened to grasp a new word in context or concept not before grasped, and then bathed in peace so we deeply sleep, be grateful for His intellectual artistry.
As our senses come to life and our energies meet a clean slate of calendar and clock, will we pause to behold God’s handiwork? As we make our plans and go about our day, will we look for His signature in what and whom we encounter? Tracing His hand through color and shape and idea and pathos ignites wonder and thankfulness, and enriches our zeal for life. It broadens our perspective toward eternity and more significant meaning for the present. It reveals the grace, creativity, humor, and intellect of our Creator.
Good Father, please sharpen my senses to be aware of Your ubiquitous presence, in every moment, every loveliness, every interaction. And when I see Your signature, may my heart swell with joyful song and praise, to the magnification of Your glory on earth.
As the rain and snow 