I grew up in one of the most beautiful islands on earth: The Dominican Republic. My family lived in the center of the island, in La Vega’s countryside. It is such a beautiful place that Christophorus Colombus said of it the first time he saw it: “This is the most beautiful place human eyes have ever seen”. We lived in constant summer. In December, we had cooler temperatures, yet they never arrived below 45 degrees. That, and the fact that we had very rarely air conditioners or fans, encouraged us to live outside, in direct contact with nature.
Because of that, nature was, for me, the first pointer to the divine.
Many of us today live primarily indoors. Therefore, we really don’t realize what an extraordinary theater is already prepared outside for those who care to look. One of the most beautiful qualities children have is their capacity to be amazed and experience awe. As a child, I was often overwhelmed by all the beauty around me: the fantastic landscape surrounding our countryside, beautiful valleys with mountains in the background, rivers, and lavish trees. The cooler breeze brought refreshments in the middle of a hot day. The colors of the sunset, which were beyond description every day, were painted differently. The intelligence and love that I could see in the eyes of my favorite horse. The joy of enjoying a fresh shower under the tropical rain and the wonderful smell left behind…
As I lived those experiences, I discovered an overwhelming sense that there was Someone else around me. Someone who, through all that design, was whispering in my heart. I knew all that was around me was a love letter. I knew I was unique, and Someone took care of preparing a place for me.
I know, without no doubt at all, that God exists. Because of the design around me. There is no design without a designer… So, to believe in God, all I need to do is raise my eyes and look around. God’s fingerprints are everywhere. He is whispering to you too…
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Psalm 19:1 – NIV