Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
There’s a place in Scotland called, “Rest and Be Thankful.” It’s a scenic overlook where people stop, get out of their cars, and allow the overwhelming beauty to awe them. The picture you see above is from there.
The travelers at this roadside park with my wife and me were a diverse lot. But we were all united by the wonder that came by simply standing in such an overwhelmingly beautiful place. No one was rushing to get to some “important” destination. Rather, we were letting ourselves get caught up in creation. There was even subdued conversation, as if the beauty hushed us. In a way, we were a small congregation called by the Creator to simply linger a while and be blown away by magnificence. Somehow all our plans and problems seemed a bit smaller when surrounded by mountains, valleys, forests, clouds, and streams.
It strikes me that “Rest and Be Thankful” is a pretty good mantra. I have to believe that each day there is a beauty to behold that we can encounter if we slow down, park the car, and take time to notice. Paul said that we could even rest and be thankful “in every situation.”
In whatever situation you may find yourself in today, tomorrow, or in the tomorrows to come: What scene will you have the grace to encounter that will put all your worries into their proper perspective? And who will you find that can share the wonder with you?