I walk our dogs almost every day. Because our Golden retriever, Precious, has arthritis, I walk her separately from our other retriever, Joe.

Our dogs are opposites – I’m convinced Joe would run the entire distance if I let him, while Precious reminds me more of molasses. She would stop and sniff every blade of grass, bush, and flower if I would tolerate it. I don’t. But her pace has helped me slow down, ponder, and praise.

All of us are busy, and if you’re anything like me, your ‘to do’ list is much longer than the number of hours in your day. Walking Precious gives me a different perspective. I’m able to focus on everything around me: the new blooms on the trees, the melodic bird songs, the squirrels scampering up and down the trees.

Sometimes I forget that. He took such care to create the universe with all different kinds of plants and trees, and incredible animals. His crowning creation was you and me.

In my busyness I often ignore my Creator. Sometimes I act like the Lone Ranger; thinking that everything is riding on my shoulders, and I’m responsible for getting everything done. Slowing down helps me see the big picture more clearly:

The prophet Isaiah shares some beautiful words about our God:

Did you catch that? God created everything and will always exist. Unlike us, He doesn’t get tired or weary. And we can’t understand how wise He is. I don’t know about you, but that gives me comfort. My Creator is constantly watching out for me and knows exactly what He’s doing even though I may not understand it.

I’m challenged by author Ann Spangler’s words: “So often we miss life’s beauty because we are preoccupied by its flaws. Instead of taking off our shoes to feel the feathery soft grass beneath our feet, we complain that it’s growing so fast we don’t have time to mow it. Rather than enjoying the gregarious woman behind the supermarket counter, we blame her friendly chatter for delaying the checkout line. And what about us? Who stares back from the mirror each morning? A child of God who is growing daily in his image or someone whose nose is too big or too small, whose hair is in a state of perpetual rebellion, or whose skin is aged and worn?” (“Praying the Names of God,” p. 20)

It’s time for me to have a renewed sense of wonder at all the Creator has done. And to live in the truth of His love for me. He is worthy to be praised.