Leaves are Maps to Heaven

The wonders of God's creation are astounding. There is such contrast, beauty, and power in nature that sometimes we focus solely on the creation, not the Creator. Whether it's the softness of spring leaves or the awesome power of a summer thunderstorm, God created and controls it all. His majesty is reflected in the crash of ocean waves and the explosion of a volcano while his delicate touch and gentleness surrounds us in rustling leaves and subtle patterns of tender shoots and fragile ecosystems. Every leaf and blade of grass is a reminder of who and what God is and how we are to show our respect and obedience to him by treating the world around us and the people in it with care and kindness. As we await with hope the completion of God's plan, not just in us, but in creation itself, enjoy the creation and worship the Creator.

PHILLIPS Translation, Romans 8:19-23 "In my opinion whatever we may have to go through now is less than nothing compared with the magnificent future God has planned for us. The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own. The world of creation cannot as yet see reality, not because it chooses to be blind, but because in God’s purpose it has been so limited—yet it has been given hope. And the hope is that in the end the whole of created life will be rescued from the tyranny of change and decay, and have its share in that magnificent liberty which can only belong to the children of God!"

(PHILLIPS) The New Testament in Modern English by J.B Phillips copyright © 1960, 1972 J. B. Phillips. .

16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

I Peter 2:16-17