My team was traveling around Cambodia to find possible, future contacts for the World Race. Our search took us to the city of Siem Reap, which we were all excited about, because on our off day, we got to see one of the ancient wonders of world: Angkor Wat. It was built during the 12th century. It is a mystery as to how these people were able to make these temples as they shouldn’t have had the tools to be able to make them. The intricacy, detail, and grandiosity of them is amazing. It is a truly awesome sight to see and it’s an incredible feeling to walk through the ancient halls. We left for Angkor Wat at 5 A.M. because one of the main things to do as a tourist is to see the sunrise and/or sunset over the temple. There was a huge crowd of people at this ungodly hour and they were fighting for the best spots for pictures. As I looked at the large group of people sitting, waiting, cameras ready, I realized something: although Angkor Wat was a grand thing to see, the thing that everyone was excited for, the thing that took their breath away, was God’s creation. Angkor Wat shows what amazing things humans can make, but when it encounters the glory of God’s sunrise, it stands no chance. It was the same at Ta Prohm. The architecture was incredible, but people stood in line to have their picture taken with the trees that grew and wrapped around it there. Seeing the ruins overtaken by God’s giant, twisted trees was what was truly astounding.
“The Heavens declare the glory of God, the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2
“When I look at your Heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made Him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” Psalm 8:3-5
When I am in awe of God’s creation, it’s incredible to know that we are his favorite creation. Seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat left me speechless, but like my teammate Meagan reminded us of, God has a place even MORE beautiful waiting for us that will never be in ruins. I hope the beauty of God’s creation gets you pumped and that you take some time to sit in awe of our God today.
and here’s another picture, just for fun:
