I remember how years ago we were told that advances in technology were going to make our lives so much better and so much easier. We were told that we wouldn’t have so many demands on our time, that we would have so much more leisure time to enjoy. Things didn’t work out that way. If anything, technology makes more demands on our time and has proven to be an even greater distraction. Today, more than ever, we need to take time to stop and smell the roses. Turn off the TV and the computer, put away the cell phone, and spend some time contemplating the beauties of God’s creation. In the 19th Psalm, verse 1, David says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” There are things that we can learn about the nature of God by observing and meditating on the natural world around us. In Romans 1:20 the apostle Paul 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.” Consider the fact that God didn’t have to make the world the beautiful place that it is. Yes, the world has its ugly side as well, but that is man’s fault not God’s. In general though the world is beautiful. In the spring we have the flowers to enjoy, in the fall we enjoy the changing colors of the leaves. Summer and winter also have their attractions. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). When you contemplate the complexity of nature and how everything is perfect for its purpose, you cannot help but be in awe of the God who created and organized it all. Stand outside on a clear night and look at the stars and think on the God who spoke it all into being. Life can often seem almost overwhelming. We are pulled in so many different directions, there are so many demands on our time that we don’t take the time to appreciate what God has made. In Matthew 6:25-30 Jesus tells us that contemplating God’s creation can help us put life in its proper perspective. So stop every once in a while and smell the roses.