Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2:3

Did you know that there are two stories of creation in the book of Genesis? I grew up in church and I had the general idea (God made everything), but until college, I didn’t know that we have two stories, told from two different perspectives! In each story, we learn different truths about the character and nature of the Divine.

In Genesis 1:1-2:3, God creates everything by simply calling it into being. God is the creative force that brings forth everything! “Let there be light” and there is! Stars and the planets are flung into orbit, seas crash and teem with life and humankind is made in the image of God. Each time I read it, I am in awe of the power and the creative genius of God. Like any good artist, God makes use of contrast in God’s great work of art. There is light and darkness, sky and water and earth, each complimenting the others and helping us to appreciate it all.

The diversity of colors and textures and substances – and the life living in and flowing through it all – fills the Great Artist with joy. We are told that God looked upon it all and proclaimed it “very good,” before God took a day to just “be” and enjoy the beauty of all that is.

When is the last time you’ve taken a whole day to enjoy the incredible beauty of this piece of art we call home?