When it comes to cooking, there is a running joke in my family. It’s so embarrassing. I can’t cook. I can’t even make jello. It never congeals for me. And…if I’m being honest, it’s the same with cakes. The layers fall apart or come out lopsided, even when I’ve precisely measured the batter for each pan. My culinary creations are not good, but disastrous.

When creating something new, there are always inherent risks. Our efforts don’t always turn out “good.” The cake doesn’t taste the way we thought it would. The craft project doesn’t look like the picture, the pieces don’t fit, or the instructions don’t align with the parts. Oh, the risks and disappointment of being the creator.

As believers, we know there is one Creator who masterfully created our world out of nothing. Each day of His work brought order from chaos and produced an element that surpasses our understanding and defies description. He was not only creator, but also botanist, biologist, physicist, architect, scientist, astrologist, space engineer and oceanographer. His work was without errors or flaws.

The creation story found in Genesis 1 gives us a remarkable account of God’s creative genius. Throughout the chapter, He acknowledges that each day’s work of creation was good. Six times we read the word “good.” But at the culmination of His work of creation, in verse 31, He qualifies it by saying it was not only good, but “very good.”

Often, I fear, we take these gifts of His creation for granted. We use and abuse the gifts God has so graciously and lavishly given us. We do not respect or protect what was intended to give us joy and pleasure, as well as providing for our physical, social and emotional needs. And maybe our biggest flaw is not seeing other human beings, those who are made in His image, as a reflection of His own goodness.

Our living in a broken, fallen and sinful world is no excuse for neglect, disrespect and destruction. We are called to be good stewards and assume responsibility for all that has been entrusted to us. We are not only to enjoy and take delight in God’s creations, but also to live in hope and expectation. As good as this creation is, it will one day all pass away and be re-created. All things will be made new in Christ Jesus, after which we will live with Him for eternity.

You and I will never be able to create, re-create, or reproduce what God has ordained and created, but we can appreciate it by expressing awe and wonder at the work of His hands. See, take delight in, appreciate and celebrate all that God has created. Give praise to our Creator. Not only is it all good, but it is very good. Here are some other things you might do.

Recycle, plant a tree, join a special interest group or a crew to clean up and preserve planet Earth.

Notice the people around you. Pay attention to their uniqueness and individuality. Praise God that each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made.

Stop and consider God’s good creation. What fascinates you most? Praise and thank God for His wonderful world.

Listen to or read the words of Louis Armstrong’s, “Wonderful World.” Visualize the world Armstrong is singing about. Give thanks to God for His wonderful world.

Worship our Creator by singing the hymn, “When Morning Gilds The Sky.”