“Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty”
January 14, 2024
My parents and I took many road trips to South Carolina, over the years, to visit my brother’s family. One of the more scenic parts of our drives was always found near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia with its “blue” mountains and beautiful flowers and trees. And every time we passed that area, my father would look out at the beauty and say to my Mom, “Glor, who made that?,” to which my Mom would say, “God!”
Recently, while visiting with friends in England, we went on a few drives in the Cotswolds’ region famous for their typically English landscape of green rolling hills, stone walls, woodland and charming little towns and villages. Every bend and curve in the road was dotted with the most beautiful scenery begging to be photographed. My friend, Lisa, who was driving, said that I should tell her to stop the car wherever I wanted to take a picture, but if I had, we would have stopped every few feet as each stretch of road contained so much beauty. And my Dad’s question, “Glor, who made that?,” kept popping into my mind.
Along the way, we would see an occasional AONB sign which designated that location as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. AONB signs are proud beacons of the truly outstanding natural beauty of that country and if my parents had been along for the ride, Dad would have asked Mom, “Glor, who made that?” to which my Mom would have responded, “God!”
While the AONB signs certainly declared the beauty that exists in the Cotswolds, they did not identify God as the Maker of such beauty. However, in my mind, no sign was needed to point to the Designer, because as my friends and I traveled along such breathtaking landscapes, we were reminded of the beauty that God has bestowed upon the earth. His divine hand is the hand that is behind the splendor of nature that surrounds us wherever we travel.
While areas of outstanding natural beauty showcase specific regions cherished for their scenic appeal, beauty extends far beyond these designations. From rolling hills and cascading waterfalls to colorful sunsets and vibrant rainforests, God’s creation is a tapestry of wonders that unfolds in every corner of the globe. Even in the most unexpected places, beauty can be found, reminding us of the omnipresence of the Divine Artist. The vastness of the universe, the intricacy of a delicate flower, and the diversity of wildlife all reflect the infinite creativity of God the Creator.
The areas of outstanding natural beauty in the UK are testament to the stunning landscapes shaped by God’s creative hand. The Cotswolds, in particular, encompass a beauty that is unparalleled. Exploring these AONB, cultivated a sense of awe and gratitude for our Creator and His creation. And whenever we see something beautiful in this world, it reminds us of the beauty of our Creator.
Dad to Mom, “Glor, who made that?” Mom to Dad, “God!”
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3
16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16