July 21, 2023
Stratford on Avon
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Read Genesis 1.-2.3
Today we went to visit Stratford on Avon. We went to visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, William Shakespeare's home and the village of Broadway in the Cotswold Villages.
It was a day of experiencing God's creative hand.
The beauty of the areas to which we traveled were beautiful. Anne Hathaway's garden was stunning and the work of William Shakespeare is unparalleled. We visited the homes where Anne Hathaway and William Shakespeare grew up and learned about their families. The home which William Shakespeare purchased as an adult and lived in no longer exists. The Cotswold Villages landscapes of rolling hills, farm crops and abundant sheep is truly like a painting.
I was reminded that each of us holds the creative possibilities for life to express. It may not be the ability like Shakespeare to write plays, but it may be in the way we can arrange flowers, design Sunday School space, develop meaningful lesson plans, care for family and friends or pray. God has breathed into us the breath of life that allows us to discover, develop, use and share the abilities that God has given us for God's glory and the benefit of all.
I am also reminded that we have the ability to open our eyes to the beauty of God's creation. We can look at the land, the plants, the water, the sheep, the birds, our pets and feel awe, wonder and gratitude. What a wonderful posture to have has we give thanks for our lives and all they behold.
O God, thank you for those who have developed the gifts you have given them and shared them with others. We thank you for all of creation that you have blessed and given to us. Amen.