The Face of God

Perhaps it’s time for another cowboy poem. I believe we humans were built to respond to the outdoors. There is something inherent in nature which reveals the ways and design of our creator. When we step outside, if we are willing, we have the opportunity to view the very face of God in His creation, or at least one of the faces of God. Certain groups of people have more access to the outdoors so this poem was written about the cowboy’s experience and lifestyle. However, you could insert camper, hiker, sailor, hunter, bird watcher, biker, runner, beach comber, star gazer, park wanderer, bench sitter ... the list goes on and on. The point is that the people who "get out there," even a little way, can witness the wonders of the creation. At home our view is of a hedge, and the neighbors are right on the other side of it. The office where I write even now has no windows at all. In fact, my dear wife bought me a painting of a window so that I could at least pretend to have a view. Most folks are like me and have very little contact with nature in the course of a normal day. Last night’s lunar eclipse, however, reminded me that natural wonders are never far from view if only we will take the time to look for them. And the almighty has revealed Himself through those natural wonders which He so painstakingly formed with His very hands. Psalm 19 reads, "The heavens declare the glory of the Lord." How true that is. We should never worship nature, but it can help point the way to He who is utterly worthy of our worship. Just step outside and try to view the world around you with an open heart. He’s out there.

The Face of God
Perhaps the cowboy's greatest pleasure
Is to see the world god made
In every light and every weather
That's one thing he'd never trade
There are moments of discomfort
Marked with heat and cold and wet
But they're a small price for the memory
Of a hundred red sunsets
Throughout his daily life
He gets to see the world unfold
And to hear the songs of nature
Songs a thousand ages old
In the whisper of the breezes
Through the mighty oaks and brush
The haughty crows in boisterous chorus
And the whippoorwill and thrush
The cowboy knows the clap of thunder
When it rents the evening air
And the laughter of the river
As it drifts without a care
He knows the scent of morning
When the day is crisp and new
And so full of life and gleaming
In its quilt of silver dew
He has shuddered, fraught with terror
Before the savage, raging beast
And stooped to mend the broken wing
Of the timid and the least
He has known the joys and sorrows
Of creation, face to face
Known its wrath and utter fury
And it's tenderest embrace
The almighty has revealed himself
In ways unique and odd
And the cowboy, who is willing
Sees the very face of god
By Frank Carpenter ©