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"WHEN I IN AWESOME WONDER…"
Michigan's Golden Coast
Agates and Oaks
Two of the most beautiful patterns in the
creation can be found along the Golden Coast. One is the beautiful pattern
of a rock called a Lake Superior agate. The other is the warm and symmetrical
pattern of the wood grain of the trees.
Lake Superior agates were formed when minerals were deposited in small
cavities of soft rock as water perked through the soft rock. Changing
conditions caused the minerals to be laid down in a banded pattern not
unlike an onion. However, this semi-precious stone has a much wider variety
of colors and delicate swirls. The outside of the stone doesn't have any
particular beauty. Once these rocks are split open the many beautiful
designs and patterns are revealed, with no two alike. Often it takes hours
of polishing to truly bring out the color and design. These rocks were
carried down by glaciers from the area of Lake Superior into the mid-western
states and are often found along the shore of Lake Michigan.
The wood grain of trees has similar beautiful patterns with each kind
of wood having its own particular type of pattern, though no two pieces
are alike. The life cycle of a tree as it goes through the different seasons
produces the growth rings of the tree. These rings are affected by the
environment where the tree is growing. If you cut sideways through a tree
trunk you will find rings like a bulls-eye on a target. If you cut sideways
across the trunk, so that you peel off the rings in layers, beautiful
patterns of wood-grain are revealed. Each kind of tree has its own particular
pattern whether it is oak, birch, maple---or even blueberry wood. Sometimes
conditions cause the development of the incredible swirling patterns of
burls which are very valuable. It is the beautiful patterns of wood that
are celebrated in paneling and high quality furniture making. The soft
designs as they are brought out by stain and varnish create a gentle atmosphere
when used in room decoration. One would never guess the beauty that lies
underneath the bark of a tree.
I have often been struck by the gentle patience of a master woodworker
who shapes the wood he has chosen into furniture and sculpture, and a
devoted lapidary as he cuts and polishes rocks into items of beauty. A
friend who loves to work with agates explained his motivation this way,
he said that when he cuts open an agate he is the first person after God
to see the beauty that was hidden there. Then, he can display it for others
to see and appreciate. That motivation brings glory to the One Who has
created these wonders. That motivation, I believe, is what drives the
Christian writer, photographer, and teacher who contemplate the creation.
How many wonders do most of us pass by every day which should give us
pause to glorify our God?
With His fingers the Lord has wrought the incredible symmetry and design
of agates and the warm flowing patterns of wood-grain to show the beauty
of the order and structure He has created in the earth. If God can so
carefully design the rocks and trees, how much more does he carefully
shape each one of us.
Each of us has a beauty that comes from the Masters hand. Each one of
us reflects our Maker in a special way. If fact, some of the most beautiful
insides are surrounded by some of the most unlikely outsides. The point
is: with our "beauty" do we serve ourselves or the One who has
made us? It is God who takes a sinner and turns him into a saint reflecting
His grace and love.
I am struck by the similarities between the work of a teacher or parent
who faithfully seeks to uncover the talents and the abilities of the children
in his care through much patient labor day by day, and the work of a wood
craftsman, lapidary or jeweler. As a parent, I pray for the patience to
see and develop the unique talents and abilities God has given to each
of my precious children; that my sometimes rough and clumsy handling may
not mar their beauty. Then, others might see and glorify God for the beauty
He has created in them.
The Creator's Reflection
Every agate has it's own design.
Their swirls and colors are one of a kind.
Formed in the dark, completely out of sight;
They reveal the Creator when shown in the light.
The life of a tree in reflection is formed;
Exposed when a craftsman's work is born.
The beautiful patterns to each kind it's own,
The Creator's design reflects how it's grown.
Lord help me the special gifts to see,
In each of the children You've given me.
Help me to see what makes them unique,
Then I can help them as their callings they seek.
Make me patient as they sort out life.
Make me steady in faith through times of strife.
As layer by layer built up they form,
A reflection of God's Son to us born.
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