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Morning Reflection for Eastertide
May 16, 2026
Reflection on Creation: Jo Ann B. Jones
The world as God’s creation is something God desired and yet it is something from which he is distinct. Fundamentally, the creation is an act of God’s will. And God takes God’s pleasure in it.
The Hebrew word bara means a divine bringing forth distinct unto itself. There is no human form of this word. What it expresses is God’s activity in the creation story in Genesis. And as we read this account in Genesis the creation is something that is wholly new. Now note “”So on the seventh day God finished his word which he had made.” In this context the use of the word made indicates a purposeful manufacture of work that takes on its own character. God’s making also serves as a model of human endeavors. But note” divine creativity and human activity are not comparable. Bear in mind that God’s creation came out of absolute nothingness - not one single thing! And then keep that in mind as you envision what you know of creation in its variety. It’s overwhelming and astounding and the joy that one can experience is sublime.
Since I remarked upon the death of Doug Allan, polar cameraman for David Attenborough’s films, it seemed appropriate to acknowledge the recent 100th birthday of David Attenborough last Friday. He is visually joyous in his experiences of nature. And yes, a video is included.
The New York Times noted that at the Natural History Museum in London, scientists marked the occasion by naming a species of parasitic wasp after him, one of more than 50 animals, insects and plants that now carry a version of his name.
In a moment that would define his life, he was scouring rocks in the English countryside in the late 1930s, when he split one open with a hammer a rock — revealing the fossil of a marine mollusk. “My eyes were the first to see it since its occupant died 200 million years ago,” he said “I suppose it’s true to say that it was one of the key moments of my life,” he added. “I have been repeating that moment, off and on, throughout my life and the thrill has still not worn off.” I believe we needs must note this as true wonder.
It seems that Attenborough possesses that same wonder, reverence and joy with each of his encounters with something unseen and not experienced before. He makes the whole world new, and yet he reminds us how long it has been in existence
His reactions strike me as a deep openness and willingness, if not eagerness, to be surprised by what he came upon in the world. And yet he does so with such energy and joy. It is striking, too, how intent he is to become a natural part of the environment and a companion to the creatures with whom he interacts. And note how they take to him in turn.
It is so important to treasure these moments, his witness and participation and, yes, once again to stand in awe and joy in the midst of creation. Thanks be to God.
And now, as promised, the video: Attenborough's Extraordinary Gorilla Encounter | Making Life on Earth | BBC Earth
Prayer for Joy in God’s Creation
O heavenly Father who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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