The cold start to many mornings this week has really brought the beauty of creation into focus and reminded me of Psalm 19 and its proclamation about how creation declares the glory of God.
David sums up the awe and wonder that creation can inspire, but not to point us to its own wonders, but to the one who made the world in which we live.
In many ways this is why we have embraced forest schools as an approach to learning. Having the opportunity to explore and learn together in our school grounds not only helps us to learn things about ourselves and about those we work with - teamwork is always a learning process on both sides! But also it reminds us of the God who inspired the creation we enjoy.
At times over the year I set the children a challenge. It's called the 10 second challenge - nothing original in that I know- but the challenge urges them to find something that is of creation and to take at least ten seconds to reflect on it. To hold it if this is possible, but if not just to be still and to reflect on what ever it is they have chosen. At the end of the challenge they are encouraged to thank God for the wonder of his creation.
Ten seconds may not be long, but from their feedback I know they find it worthwhile.
The ten second challenge - something I will be looking to put into practice on my morning walks this week!
