Friday, February 6, 2009


"Here's harmony!" Said she, "here's repose! Here's what may leave all painting and music behind, and what poetry can only attempt to describe! Here's what many tranquilize every care, and lift the heart to rapture! When I look out to such a night as this, I feel as if there could be neither wickedness nor sorrow in the world; and there certainly would be less of both if the sublimity of nature were more attended to, and people were carried more out of themselves by contemplating such a scene." - Mansfield Park (Jane Austen)
This picture always reminds me of this quote, perhaps because I believe Austen is right; almost. In her simple wonder at the glory of creation and man's inability to express or recreate it there can be no disagreement. And who hasn't felt that if the world would just slow down and enjoy the beauty of the world that wickedness and sorrow would be eased? But this quote rings hollow to me because in the beauty and splendor of the creation, we lose sight of the creator. In Him is harmony! In Him there is no wickedness or sorrow! There is no hope or peace in being carried out of yourself to some mystical place in contemplation. But getting away from yourself is vital; you must realize that the "sublimity of nature" before you was created so God would get glory. Be amazed by the fact that the new earth will be even more amazing than this earth! Be still,contemplate nature, and know that He is God.

3 comments:

Stephen said...

I walked back from church last night and stopped at the Boys and Girls club playground to watch a thin veneer of clouds pass a full moon. As I watched it I could not help but give glory to God the creator and thank him for revealing himself to us. I agree, "Be still, contemplate nature, and know that He is God."

Kelsey Sturm said...
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Kelsey Sturm said...

Amen! Thanks for commenting. If I don't respond it's because I don't receive any notification when people comment...I need to be more proactive about checking this thing apparently. ; )