Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.

God’s fingerprints
were everywhere! As I reflect on the vacation my family and I took last week,
these four words keep running through my mind. Four words that sound simple,
maybe even obvious, but four words that remind me how forgiving, gracious, and
loving God truly is.

God’s fingerprints
were in the waters. As we rafted down the Yellowstone River, I was reminded
that although the waters can be rough, if we trust in one another, work
together, and have faith, we will arrive safely to our destination. As we stood
on the shores of His beautiful lakes, I was reminded that when we slow down, we
will find peace and tranquility. As we sat in the hot springs, I was reminded
that my impurities needed to be let out, the toxins emptied, and the pores
opened so that new waters could enter and rejuvenate my spirit. And as the
waterfalls took our breath away, I was reminded of my baptism and how the
waters God has created will pour over me and wash away the sins the world has
covered me in.

God’s fingerprints
were in the geysers. Sometimes these geysers were hot, bubbling with water or
mud, and even exploding when the pressure became too much to subside. But
sometimes the geysers were calm, and you could see the brilliant colors in the
pools they created and the beauty they left for all to see. As we visited all
these amazing wonders in Yellowstone, I was reminded that God created them to
be unique, just as he created us. He understands that sometimes we will be
angry, and the pressures of life will make us explode, but there will also be
moments where we will be calm, and the brilliance of our light will be shared
with others.

God’s fingerprints
were in the mountains. Some were rocky, some were lush, some were large, and
some were small. Some were brown, some were black, some were red, and some were
purple. But no matter how different each mountain was, they all were beautiful,
and I was reminded that God created us in many different shapes, sizes, and
colors. And no matter how different each one of us is, His creation makes us
all beautiful, and we need to learn to accept one another, forgive one another,
and love one another as much as He loves all of us.

God’s fingerprints
were in the animals. As we traveled through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons,
this was the first time I had encountered so much wildlife living together.
Uncaged, free to roam, and living in harmony. It reminded me that God gave us
the freewill to do the same. We are the ones who built the walls, divided the
land, and separated from one another. Maybe it is time to break down those
barriers and live in harmony once again.

God’s fingerprints
were in the people. As I met people from all over the globe, and listened to
their stories, I became educated about other cultures, engaged in other
lifestyles, and appreciative of different beliefs. I was blessed to spend time
with a loving family. We were able to slow down, form deeper bonds, and love
the ones God surrounds us with. And by the end of the trip, I understood how He
uses those around me to give me different perspectives, teach me about
sacrifice, and cherish each moment.

God’s fingerprints
were everywhere! Without the distractions of work, viruses, protests, media,
and cell phones, I was able to focus on what really mattered in life. I was
able to feel His breath, hear His words, and enjoy His creation. My friends,
there are many things in this world that keep us from God. But when we take the
time to listen, when we are open to what He wants to show us, and when we slow
down for a few moments to walk with Him, His beauty arises and blesses us like
nothing else can. Take some time this week to search for His fingerprints, and
allow yourself to be overcome by the grace and love God has in store for you!