It’s hard for me to believe that it’s been a year since I stood on the warm island of Santorini and breathed in its ocean air; that it’s been a year since I stood with my face toward the glowing sun, its rays reflecting in my camera. Still, though more than 365 days separate me from this beautiful island, it’s images remain stamped in my mind, reminding me of how blessed I am to be a child of God.

There are so many times I stop and think of how blessed I am to be a child of God’s: when I sit in the pew silently, thinking about the blood my Savior shed so I could be forgiven or when I see the love of Christ pouring out of my husband’s eyes as he silently assures me he’ll never leave. Still, probably the greatest reminder of how blessed I am comes from the beauty of God’s creation.

Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse”

When God created the world, He put His fingerprints everywhere. In looking out over the calm, blue waters that are mixing the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, I see how vast God is, and I am thankful that He controls my life. When standing far above the angry cliffs, I am thankful that He hides me in the hollow of His almighty hand, keeping me from everlasting danger. When the golden sun starts sinking toward the horizon, I am thankful that God’s light never stops shining on  me. And when my stare finds mountains jutting from the shimmering waves, I am thankful for a God who is steadfast and sure, Who’ll never leave me nor forsake me. All of this, from simply standing on one of many islands He created for us to enjoy.

It is no wonder, then, that Romans 1:20 says what it does. Truly we are without excuse if we can look to the most glorious things of this earth and not see a Designer. And how amazing is it to know that if what He created is this beautiful, how beautiful is He? How beautiful will it be in His presence?! I can’t fathom the beauty, and I am overwhelmed when I try to visualize it. But I know that if I enjoy traveling to the beautiful places He’s created, I must do all within my power to make my final destination His home.

I am so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to explore God’s wondrous and magnificent creation, and I pray I’m not through. But even if I never get on another plane and never fly high above His beautiful earth, I am thankful to be able to step outside of my front door and see golden sunsets and yellow flowers and blooming trees and chirping birds. I am so thankful that God shows me His beauty every single day: through my husband, through my drive to work, and through His perfect Word.