Green harmony

I stopped at a certain point in my bike ride the other day, a point where I usually stop on that particular route.  Not because I needed a rest – though there are times and places where I do stop for that purpose – but to enjoy the view, an almost 180° panorama from the Yorkshire Dales to the Lake District.

How many shades of green there were!  In the middle distance a patchwork of fields, fresh grass-green, yellowy-green, greeny-brown, with here and there darker green blocks of trees.  Beyond them, on the higher ground the green was faintly washed with russets and hints of purples; higher still the grey-green of the Three Peaks; in the distance the blue-green of the Cumbrian fells.  Nearer to me the lane was lined with trees, some still with the freshness of Spring, others beginning to darken with Summer.  There are simply not enough adjectives in my vocabulary to describe their myriads shades of green!  Nor are there enough colours in any paintbox – and even if it were possible to mix so many shades of green they would probably look dull and lifeless on a canvas.

How different with God’s handiwork!  Not only in the physical world but in our lives, too, He uses light and dark, sunshine and shadow, joy and sorrow to produce something beautiful, a harmony of His grace.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

I know not why God’s wondrous grace

To me has been made known,

Nor why – unworthy as I am -

He claimed me for His own.

I know not what of good or ill

May be reserved for me -

Of weary ways or golden days

Before His face I see.

But ‘I know whom I have believèd, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.’