God is the generosity of wildflower
Fields dotted with blooms 
Of every imaginable color 

God is the majestic Mt. Adams
A towering presence 
Light glistening off snow-capped peaks
Evergreens sheltering His creatures

God is the ocean tide responding to the distant moon
Waves rolling forward, building, cresting again and again
Chilling and tickling my toes with retreating foam
A vehicle for surfers and swimmers, 
A dinner vessel for seagulls

God is in the ruby-throated hummingbird
Feathers shimmering emerald in the sunlight 
Colorful, busy, seeking the nectar of His creations
Resting on the butterfly sculpture, 
Peering in living room window, igniting joy

God is in the cawing black crows,
Squawking, stomping on our skylight
Littering the roof with clam shells
Recent signs that God was 
Here and here and here.

God is the gift of a double beauty rose 
Fuscia tipped white rose scented
With a lingering sweet aroma
Reminding me God beckons
More than one of my senses

Is God in my Yorkie? 
Looking in my eyes with adoration?
Yes, God’s here, also. 
Although I’m not convinced 
God wants his tummy rubbed

God is the blue sky, the green trees,
The soft brown pine needles littering the forest

God is the hot fudge, warm caramel
Crunchy toasted pecans
Sweet pillows of whipped cream
Inviting me to savor all He offers

God is all the seen and unseen
Calling out from flowers, waves, birds,
Trees, mountains, pets, even desserts.

Through all of creation God invites me
To the joy and awe of being loved.

He draws me closer in each manifestation
Trusting me to sense His Presence
In whatever way I can, 
Day after day.

Photo by REV. ANDREW LARSEN
a Selah Companion
part of the Selah community

From the Editor

If you enjoy reading the Here & Now blog, then I invite you to write for it. I’m accepting submissions now for blogs through the end of the year. In particular, I’m interested in blogs about gratitude, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, and New Year, as well as fall content through Thanksgiving. I welcome any form of contemplative posts such as poetry, reflections, original art, and original photography. Interested or need more info, leave me a message in the comments. I hope to hear from you.

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Pause, Encounter, Grow
with the Here & Now blog,
By DEBORA BUERK
Editor, Here & Now blog
a Selah Companion
part of the Selah Community