I remember my school days with fondness. It was a small country school, and almost everyone knew one another. It was easy to make friends, and some of them remain so to this day. The challenge was to stay interested in learning, but most students had favorite subjects. I liked Plain Geometry, Chemistry, Art and Shop, but my all-time favorite was the Physical Science class. Our teacher talked mostly about the planets, stars, and related information.

I was all ears. I have never lost interest in all things space.

It is one subject that keeps scientists questioning everything they have learned as more sophisticated probes are launched into space. The Voyager 2 is more than 15 billion miles from Earth. It was launched in 1977 and is still sending information from interstellar space.

The James Webb Telescope was launched on Christmas Day 2021 and relays astonishing pictures of the Cosmos to media around the world. It is fascinating to learn about gravitational forces, black holes, solar wind, light-years, spacetime, extreme temperatures, and conditions on the surfaces of other planets.

Lately, scientists are questioning the Big Bang theory and asking, “Where is the edge of space and what lies beyond?“ The most interesting takeaway from this vast amount of information is how it relates to our small, beautiful, blue planet sitting in its perfect place in such a vast universe. The concept expands thinking and appeals to the spiritual. It is humbling and miraculous. It is our home.

Speaking as an artist, I find images of the universe are inspirational. I enjoy trying to create paintings that reflect color, shapes, and imaginary places in space. The psalmist describes it best: “The heavens declare the glory of God and the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).

Heavenly Father, thank you for the miracle of your creation.

Thank you for our world, and may we have the wisdom to revere and protect it. Thank you for the distant universe and all its mysteries.

Thank you for your word and your love.

Amen.

This devotional was written by Steve Hankal and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.