I’ve always loved exploring nature. While hiking in the mountains on our recent trip to Washington I experienced moments of feeling overcome by beauty. There were times when I actually feared I couldn’t capture it all so I spent hours climbing one hillside after another taking hundreds of pictures.

Up in the Cascades you’re surrounded by mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and wildlife. But in July the flowers are breathtaking. Purple, yellow, orange, blue, and pink blooms blanket the hills and meadows creating a delicate yet stunning foreground for the massive glaciers and peaks.

This may sound kind of funny but on this particular trip I was moved by the romance of it all. I felt a connection to God that was different. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m still in awe of God’s creation. But this time It felt more like He was drawing me in closer through His creation…wooing ME into a relationship that was deeper than worship and awe and more about friendship, love, and dare I say…romance.

Everywhere I turned I saw His strength and danger in the steep cliffs and massive peaks and valleys; His quiet gentle spirit in the wind rustling the leaves; and His beauty and artistry in the brilliant wildflowers and painted sky. One author describes the smell after it rains as like snuggling up to God’s chest.

Any artist will tell you that their greatest creations were born out of passion. Like a man woos a woman with flowers, sunset walks, or dinner under the stars so God woos us with His creation. I believe God loves us passionately and He’s romancing us with His beauty every day.

Next time your heart is stirred by the waves crashing onto the shore, a moonlit night, or a glorious mountain peak, think of it as a personal love note or bouquet of flowers from God.

He loves us, passionately.