The Body: A Way to Taste and See He is Good

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech;  night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words;  no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other;    nothing is deprived of its warmth.
(Psalm 19: 1 - 6, NIV).

All of creation declares His glory and the body is one way we are equipped to perceive it. Eyes to see the splendor of the night sky and the stars in array. Ears to hear the sparrows He clothes sing. Noses to smell the spring blossoms fragrant exhale. Mouths to taste the sweet and savory fruit of the earth. Skin to feel the cool and warmth that mark the change of time and the pains and joys of life. And even more, His Spirit within to know its meaning: God is great, faithful and good to us.

Today, love your body and honor your God by immersing yourself in nature. Take time to perceive with your senses and by His Spirit---the beauty He has set us a midst. Offer up praise for the good news all creation declares. Notice as you go how your breath and your movements are all apart of the beauty. Consider the ways in which your body declares that He is good.

1. Take a stroll of your neighborhood. Take notice of all the ways you are learning about your neighborhood with the senses God has given you.
2. Visit a public park, local public garden and or national park. Set aside at least an hour for your visit. While there, try isolating your senses. For example, for a portion of your walk focus on what you can see (the varied textures and colors of plant life). Let curiosity lead you to your next point of focus. Perhaps the textured bark of a tree has you curious about what it may feel like. Touch it. Pay attention to what you are learning simply by touching.
3. Go stargazing! Sit on your porch, spread a blanket on your lawn or visit your local observatory.
4. Find and participate in your local community garden. Get your hands dirty and then make seasonal meals with bounty of all your labor. Practice mindful eating so that you can taste the sweet, savory, fatty and acid of your spring dinners. Try not to cover the flavors of your spring bounty with man-made additions. Let the simple and vibrant flavors sing! Need help with recipes? Try these recipes from www.allrecipes.com. You can search by season.
5. Bring nature indoors with an herb garden you use to help make delicious spring meals or buy fragrant and vibrant flowers from your local grocery or florist.
6. Sit on the shore and enjoy the smell of brine wafting in the air. Go a step further and take a dip. If a dip is too extreme for you, then consider taking a boat or ferry ride.​

Happy temple building!

Take care. Bless many.