Byodo-In

We had seen pictures of Byodo-In at the Valley of the Temples in magazines and online, and it seemed like a beautiful place to visit and take photographs. Danny and I both always being interested in Japanese culture, it was a visit we were willing to wether the rain for. The vibrant colors of the structures against the lush green surroundings, as well as the resident creatures roaming the grounds made for a very pleasant stroll.

After a quick stop at the gift shop where we purchased these sweet chopsticks, we went to find a picnic table at He’eia State Park to eat our homemade bento we had packed.

It had quite the view!

And cats. So many cats.

Plumeria flowers also scattered the ground in the park near the trees from which they had fallen. You know those foam or plastic Hawaiian flower hair pins people often get as souvenirs? Well, they look almost exactly like the real thing! These flowers are gorgeous, each one almost too perfect to be real.

On our drive back home, the views of the mountains while driving through them were awe-striking. I could not help but be overwhelmed by God’s majesty being amidst these massive mounts of His creation. Surrounded by nature, the breath-taking work of His hands, I was surrounded by His glory. “Ever since the creation of the world His eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things He has made. So they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20

Even as I write this, I am reminded and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, that even compared to these, am I not of more value to Him than they? Did God not create me in His own image? Though His creation in nature ever proclaims His majesty, did Christ not give His own life for me? “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought 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. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands, you have put all things under his feet.” (Psalm 8:3-6) I am again overwhelmed, not only by His majesty, but by His love. “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are you works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:14)