I love the season of spring! After a long, cold, snowy winter, it feels so refreshing to see signs of new life. Trees start to bud, flowers begin to open, and fresh green grass grows everywhere. Everything looks brighter and more colorful. The air smells clean and fresh, filled with the sweet scent of flowers and rain-soaked earth. It lifts my spirit and fills me with hope. I especially enjoy seeing baby birds chirping in their nests and little animals waking up after their long winter sleep. It feels like the whole world is waking up again. Spring reminds me that God brings new beginnings, even after the coldest seasons.
Isaiah 45:11a-12 “This is what the LORD says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts.”
If you didn’t know already, one of my absolute favourite things to do on my Sabbath Mondays is spend time at the Toronto Zoo. It’s become a special rhythm in my life—a space where rest, wonder, and worship intertwine. When the weather is pleasant, I would make time to stroll leisurely through the Zoo (yes, I have the Zoo membership 😁), camera in hand, ready to capture glimpses of God’s magnificent handiwork.
There’s something deeply peaceful about being surrounded by the sights and sounds of wildlife, away from the noise and rush of daily life. As I observe the animals in their habitats, I often find myself in a prayerful conversation with the Lord Jesus, offering thanks, lifting up concerns, or simply enjoying His presence in the quiet moments.
What keeps me going back is the amazing variety and beauty of the animals. The Arctic wolves are fascinating to watch. With their snowy fur and sharp eyes, they quietly walk around, looking alert and thoughtful.
The Polar bear always catches my eye too, whether it’s swimming smoothly through the water or shaking off water from its thick white fur. It reminds me that God is creative, even in the coldest places.
The Grizzly bear is so big and strong, yet it moves with a surprising calmness and grace.
And then there’s the Eagle. It sits high up, looking out with its sharp eyes. It always takes my breath away. Whenever I see it, I think of Isaiah 40:31 and how God gives strength to those who wait and trust in Him.
Each visit to the Zoo becomes more than a relaxing outing—it becomes a moment of worship. With every creature I encounter, I’m freshly reminded of our Creator God who not only designed each animal with intricate beauty and purpose, but who also invites us to marvel and give Him praise through it all.
Psalm 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
And here we are—human beings, created by the very same Creator God who made the animals and the rest of nature! If we are amazed by how beautifully and carefully He designed the world around us, how much more should we marvel at the care and thought He put into making us. People are truly remarkable—our bodies, minds, and emotions are wonderfully complex and unique. We are not here by chance. Each of us was intentionally formed by God, crafted with purpose and deep love.
It is through Jesus Christ that we discover our true identity. We are not merely part of creation—we are God’s beloved children. We belong to Him. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are fully accepted and deeply loved by God. Our value isn’t determined by our achievements or appearance, but by the unchanging truth that we are created by God and redeemed by His grace. This brings deep peace to our hearts. We no longer need to search for meaning or strive to earn love. In Christ, we already have it. We can rest securely in God’s love, knowing that He created us, He understands us completely, and He promises to care for us. Just as He tends to the animals and all of nature, He watches over us with even greater care and compassion.
Nehemiah 9:6 “You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.”
So, let us lift our hearts in worship to our Creator God, for we were made with the very purpose of bringing glory to the One who made us. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us, “man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God and fully enjoy Him forever.” This is the true purpose of our existence—to honor God in all that we do and find our deepest joy in His presence.
This my great and everlasting hope
I've been saved and heaven is my home
I can't wait for that day
When I see You face to face
For I was made to magnify my Maker
Yes I was saved to walk beside my Savior
I'm created to worship my Creator
