subject: Finding God in the most unlikely places [print this page] Finding God in the most unlikely places Finding God in the most unlikely places
Along Costa Rica's coast the world's largest reptiles, Giant Leatherback Turtles, gather to lay almost five dozen eggs each. The turtles weigh almost 2000 pounds apiece, and many are a century old. Indeed, the massive creatures don't breed until they reach sixty. Once the babies are born they will plunge into the ocean, and in 60 years they will return to the same beach to lay new eggs.
When Johann Sebastian Bach (AD 1685-1750) would write a manuscript of his music, he would often include the letters SDG at the bottom of the page. The letters stand for Soli Deo Gloria, or "Glory to God Alone."
Pico della Mirandola said it was inherent in man's nature to be captured by the wonders that surround him. He shared that man was God's final creation because, "The Divine Artist still longed for some creature which might comprehend the meaning of so vast an achievement, which might be moved with love at its beauty and smitten with awe at its grandeur."
Truly, magnificence is all around us if we but slow down and notice. I was reminded of this truth this past weekend as I attended Cleveland's Tall Ship Festival. Held on the Port of Cleveland, the gathering brought together some of history's most beautiful sea vessels, many are replicas of nineteenth century masterpieces.
Sometimes beauty is found in the most surprising of places, and the most wonderful truth is discovered in the most unlikely of circumstances. The following anonymously written poem was found amongst the belongings of a fallen Civil War soldier.
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for - but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed.
What is wrong with the world is always available, and so is what is right, we simply have to determine where to place our focus. It is not always easy, but day to day we can simply try to live with the attitude Soli Deo Gloria!
