Peering out my 18th-floor window at the Denver Grand Hyatt, I was delighted to see a fresh layer of snow blanketing the city. Ah, what a welcome sight for a perennial Floridian. I can’t recall the last time I awoke to the sight of the fluffy white stuff sprawled across the ground.

It was the final day of the Jerry Jenkins Christian Writers Guild conference. After four days of sitting in hotel conference rooms listening to intense seminars and speeches stretching my mind and imagination, I was hungry to get a glimpse of the majestic Rocky Mountains, another rare sight for a Floridian.

I asked the gentleman at the front desk if there was a place at the hotel, perhaps on one of the upper floors, where I’d be able to get a glimpse of the mountain range. The clerk suggested I walk across the street to the neighboring building and take the elevator to the 38th-floor for a spectacular view.

It was 6:45 a.m. on a Sunday, and the two security guards in the neighboring tower looked at me as if I had asked them to hand over their annual paycheck when I mentioned that I would like to go upstairs and take a look out of the 38th-floor window. Since it didn’t look remotely possible that they would allow me anywhere near the elevator, I sweetly mentioned that I had come all the way from Florida and had been camping out in conference rooms for the last 96 hours and that I would just love to see a pretty view of their lovely city before going all the way back home to that state so far, far away.

Clarence, the taller of the two uniformed men, took pity on me and said, “We’re not supposed to do this, but I’ll take you up for just a second,” and then motioned me towards the elevators.

The hallways were dark and eerily quiet in those wee hours. We entered a stately meeting room lined with floor-to-ceiling windows.

The view of the snow-covered city was quite a sight. Clarence and I took a moment of silence and gazed down on the still sleepy city dressed in white. As we headed back downstairs, my new friend proudly informed me that the picturesque room where we stood served as the venue for the recent American Idol auditions.

As I crossed the quiet street making my way back to the hotel room, I realized I wasn’t just hungry for the mountains–I was starving to connect with God, the Creator of the mountains.

The Christian Writer’s Guild conference was exceptional, the speakers were enlightening and there were moments of tremendous corporate worship led by an extraordinary pianist. The event instilled in me the desire to have my own private time with the Creator of the universe.

How many times do we say that we are going to pray and read our Bible, or just be still, yet “life” gets in the way? And isn’t it funny how we feel the need to sit beside the seashore or a babbling brook, or gaze at a towering mountain to feel closer to God, even though he’s right here, right now? Anne Graham Lotz says, “Just give me Jesus.” I needed a dose myself.

When I got back to my room, I received a devotional e-mail from Pastor Andrew Vuksic, of Gospel on the Go Ministries. It read:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”
(Psalm 19 1-2 NIV)

God in his grace allows us to get a glimpse of his glory through his wonderful creation. Yet, if truth be told, many times we are too hurried and worried to notice the wonder of God through his creation. The pressures of life distract us from taking the time to look and listen to the wonderful “praise music” that creation sings to its Creator. Christian, don’t let your busyness cause you to miss out on this wonderful gift from God. Slow down and enjoy the wonder and worship of God.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” (Psalm 19:7-8 NIV)

God in his grace also allows us to get a glimpse of his glory through his wonderful word. Yet, if truth be told, many times we are too hurried and worried to sit down and read about the wonder of God. The pressures of this life distract us from taking the time to look at and listen to God’s wonderful “love letter” to us. Christian, don’t let your busyness cause you to miss out on this wonderful gift from God. Slow down and enjoy the wonder and wisdom of God in his word!

Our God truly is an awesome God! Take the time to enjoy His wonderful creation and His perfect word