Have you heard of the Kindness Rock Project? The movement was started by a couple of women who wanted to do something simple to help spread joy. They took small rocks, the plain kind that nobody would look at twice, painted them with images and messages, and then hid them in different places outside, hoping that whoever found them would be encouraged. Kind of like an Easter egg hunt with rocks instead of eggs. Except in this case, those who stumbled upon them would not be looking for them, making their discovery even more delightful.

The idea has caught on around the world, and local groups have formed. There’s even one in Fort Mill, South Carolina I discovered. Members meet together at an appointed time, hand-painting rocks as creatively as they can. The results are unique, inspiring, and eye-catching.

Can you imagine stumbling upon one of these rocks? You would know right away it’d not been made by natural processes – someone had created it. You would wonder, who would take the trouble to prepare this for me to find? And why would they do it, not knowing who might discover it … or even if it would ever be discovered?

Such random acts of kindness are surprising in today’s world of self-absorption and “What’s in it for me?” attitudes. Sure, I know there’s joy and satisfaction involved in creating something beautiful. But when most artists create, they have some anticipation of being recognized for their effort. They sign their work proudly and look forward to the admiration and praise they’ll receive from grateful fans. There’s none of that at work with these rocks. The creator “hides” their work with the simple hope of blessing another, of creating a connection with another human being through love. Kind of sounds like God, doesn’t it?

When I look at God’s creative work in the world around me, I marvel that He went to such trouble to make sure there was enough variety, brilliant color, and complexity that I would never grow tired of exploring. There’s always something beautiful or surprising to discover. And His hidden treasures are designed to connect us to Him in love.

How sad that some are blind to all of this. They have decided to ignore what common sense should tell them – that the laws and systems that govern the entire solar system are too perfect to have occurred naturally – and live in denial. What was designed for their pleasure is overlooked or taken for granted. I love what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17).

When we stumble upon a “hand-painted rock” from God, whether it’s something in nature or some gift He’s given to another human being, it should fill us with gratitude and praise. We get to enjoy what He has created without any cost to ourselves (except maybe our pride). We are recipients of His overflowing love and grace. When we look at what He’s done (and continues to do) just to bless us, to bring a smile to our face and encourage us, we can’t help but echo the words of David in Psalm 145:

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.  (vv. 1, 3, 8-9, 13-16, 18-19, 21)

We who know Him should always have this sense of awesome wonder and delight. The exalted Lord has done the unthinkable. He’s lovingly provided good things in abundance for all He has made. Even within our own bodies we can see His incredible design. There’s no doubt we’re how fearfully and wonderfully made. But how often do we remember to thank Him?

He invites us to discover the many hidden treasures He’s planted all over the earth. Like the creators of the colorful rocks, He enjoys knowing they are sources of joy in an otherwise dark and painful world. He hopes we will approach His creation with the excitement of a child on an Easter egg hunt, ready to rejoice in every new treasure we find.