Kairos Journal on the life and death of the larger-than-life crocodile hunter, Stever Irwin:
"One aspect of Irwin’s life stands out. He was unashamedly enthusiastic about the wonders of the natural world. Children adored him because he showed them what it might mean to love animals whether great or small. The sight of Irwin wrestling a mammoth crocodile or running in the desert to catch a scorpion was almost guaranteed to implant in children a playful delight in living beings. Tragically there is no indication that Irwin was a Christian, indeed, he and his wife welcomed their children into the world with Buddhist ceremonies. Yet his life is one long rebuke to Christians who take little delight in their Father’s world. If a man could love the creation this much and not know the Creator—how much more should those who love God take delight in the work of His hands?"
[HT: STR]
Here's a great meditation by John Piper on the pleasure God takes in his creation, and another one on seeing the joy of God in the sun. An excerpt from the latter:
"As I've tried to sense God's leading for this morning's and this evening's messages, I believe what he wants me to do is put you in touch with one of his ministries to you that is often neglected, especially by urban, fast-paced, productive, efficient, rational, scientific people like you and me. And yet this neglected ministry of the Lord is one that God means for you to be helped by every day. There is not a day that goes by, nor is there a place in the world, where God does not extend this ministry for the healing and hope and happiness and humility of those who will receive it. I'm speaking of the ministry of the Lord through what he has created, through the world of nature, especially what we see when we look up into the skies during the day and during the night."