AUGUST 4

Psalm 104:24

Dad rowed the boat to the edge of some lily pads. It was the best place in the lake to catch fish. As Alex sat in the boat with his father, he watched his red and white bobber closely, waiting for it to go down because a fish had taken the bait. The calm water reflected the sky and trees along the shore. Birds were singing, and a frog hopped off a lily pad and splashed into the lake. The bobber wiggled as the ripples spread under it, but it didn’t go down. “The fish don’t seem to be very hungry today,” said Dad after a little while, “but it sure is nice out here with the blue sky and water and the green grass and trees. It’s all so peaceful. It makes me forget all about the office.” Alex turned to his dad. “We’ve been studying about colours in school,” he said. “Some scientists say that blue slows down the heart rate and green helps prevent eye strain. That makes them restful colours.”

Dad smiled. “Do you suppose that’s why God made so much blue and green in nature?” he asked as he checked his line. The bait was still there. “Just imagine what it would be like if the sky were bright red and all the leaves were black.”

Alex laughed at the word picture Dad had painted. “We learned that red is supposed to cause people to be more active. Some say it can even cause blood pressure to rise,” said Alex. “I don’t think it would make people feel very good to have a red sky all the time.” He paused. “It sure looks pretty when the sun is setting, though,” added Alex. “God sure is smart.”

“God is very wise,” agreed Dad. “We see a great deal of His wisdom in nature – even in the colours He chose. Restful greens and blues much of the year, but pretty reds and oranges and yellows colouring the sky at sunrise and sunset!”

“Right. And lots of colour in flowers.” Alex looked at his fishing line. “You know what else scientists say?” he asked. “They say orange makes you hungry.” He grinned at his dad. “I wish God had made these bobbers. Instead of making them red and white, I bet He would have made them orange to make the fish more hungry. Then maybe they’d come over to see them and grab the bait, too!”

Thought: What a wonderful artist and creator God is!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, how manifold and beautiful are Your works! Thank You for giving us so much beauty in nature! Help me to appreciate what You have done and to be grateful to You for them, as well as other blessings in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.