lifesong
Everyone needs compassion
Love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations
Saviour, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as you find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender
Shine your light in
Let the whole world see
We're singing, for the glory
Of the risen King
Jesus, Shine your light in
Let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory
Of the risen king
Friday, October 07, 2005
-1:17 pm
Have you ever ridden on a motorbike before? I have.
On one of the rides, we rode through Mount Pleasant (near Onraet Road and the police academy). As we turned off from the expressway into the long winding road (a shortcut) through the forest, I felt as though I had entered a totally different world.
The forest air greeted me with a burst of floral fragrances, the surroundings were much cooler than the warmth radiating from the asphalt roads of the expressway. The crisp, sweet air was fresh and light, a stark contrast to the dusty fumes and vehicle exhaust on the highway. The cool, refreshing air whipped across my face as I lifted the helmet's face shield to savour the damp smell of leaves and soil soaked with freshly fallen rain. Bliss.
It was Nature at its best. After a long day, I was tired and worn out, longing for nothing more than a warm shower and my bed. But I was glad we took the shortcut and I'd like to think that it's God's way of showing me that He cares. The short 3-minute ride through Mount Pleasant was almost like a much-needed spa session, like ducking under a waterfall for a quick refreshing shower, as the whispering winds washed away all my fatigue and gently caressed my weary body like the very tender hands of God.
As we whizzed by, I caught glances of white and black colonial bungalows tucked safely away in the hills, surrounded by trees and other kinds of rainforest plants. I imagined how it would be like to live in one of those houses, to be so close to and dwell amongst nature every day in such a peaceful and tranquil environment, an escape and retreat from the hectic pace of life we lead, be it working or schooling.
Though this might sound like just an ordinary ride along a road through a forest, the experience means more to me than it may seem. It wasn't just a normal ride, there was this familiar feeling, this warmth, closeness and uncomprehensible peace I felt, His intangible and yet tangible touch- the awesome presence of God.
I always feel so much closer to God when I'm surrounded by nature, in the midst of His perfect and exceedingly beautiful creations. My mind was cleared of the day's happenings and stress, and it felt as though I had left reality and time behind to relish the wonders of God's handiwork in awe. I was at home.
God never ceases to amaze me, and always sends me little reminders of His love for me, like mini notes passed through Mother Nature's hands. He seems to know when I especially need it, and gives me those precious moments of refreshing rest which I treasure and am grateful for, no matter how brief.
Each time I would wish I could just linger for a while longer in His presence and the work of His hands, fearfully and wonderfully made. Indeed, there is nothing like the specially arranged spa of Nature, with compliments, from our loving Father.
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