In God's Gardens

In the beginning of time when there was nothing, God said, “Let there be light.”

He then went on to create the earth and everything in it: He created trees and then birds  to sing cheerfully in those leafy branches.  He created blue skies and white fluffy clouds  providing passing shade.  He created the early morning breeze and the dew to keep the grass moist and green. All that stunning beauty He created was for the sole purpose of giving mankind a place to have communion with God and each other.

This summer, due to Covid and its complications, our church has moved to outdoor worship in public parks of Madrid.  And I’ve come to realize, what we thought was simply an expedient decision may have been the closest to God’s original plan for mankind all along.  

Worshiping God outside, in the world He created, has been truly beautiful and unique. Sure, we could’ve been in a climate-controlled auditorium with professional sound equipment, but we would’ve missed out on THIS.  David wrote psalms in fields. Jesus preached to people on hillsides. Paul led people to Christ on riverbanks. We’re not the first to worship God out in the great outdoors.  

A *building* was never a requirement for worship. 

Every week we sing—just a guitar and our voices —and it’s wonderful!  Every Saturday morning, in spite of the intense heat of July in Madrid, we find a cool, shady spot and enjoy the feel of sweet grass between our toes in the morning breeze. We share chilled fruit, fresh bread, and if we’re lucky, Katia’s homemade streusel.  

Adam and Eve may have been the first to experience it in Eden, but we *still* have the chance to commune with God in the gardens of His creation.  

**These photos were taken in the beautiful parks of the Madrid province: Parque Monte de Pilar (Majadahonda), Parque O’Donnell (Álcala), Parque Emperatriz Maria de Austria (Madrid), and Parque Enrique Tierno Galván (Madrid)