Four years ago I was travelling back from Scotland. We reached Northumberland and the road we wanted to travel on was closed. We were diverted across the North Pennines, and came across a gem of a village, Blanchland.
Whilst planning our summer holidaying June this year, we decided to make Blanchland our “stopover” on our way to Scotland. Having had a hearty breakfast, we set off for a walk along the river Derwent. The weather was warm, with blue sky and white clouds. The ground was covered with bluebells and wild garlic, the river was a babbling brook, wildlife was in abundance with butterflies and various species of birds. It was early June and the bluebells at home were long gone.
I had to stop every few steps to take in the beauty and try and capture it on camera. My heart was full of the beauty of the countryside, that had no human input at all. The wild flowers, the trees, the water, the birdsong were just there, free to enjoy and savour.
God our Creator does not need us to create something beautiful, He has already done it.
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
If we had not come across those roadworks 4 years ago, we would never have found this picturesque village nor had the opportunity to spend time taking in the wonders that are there for all to see.
Prayer: Creator God, we wonder at the beauty of bluebells, the scent of wild garlic, the flash of a dipper catching insects and fish in the river. The expanse of blue sky, the gathering of clouds, the vista of moorland, and the shade of trees on the riverbank. For all your blessings you give us, we thank you. Help us to use the opportunities you put our way to praise you, and to acknowledge your presence all around us. Amen