I was fortunate to grow up under the broad, blue skies of the Canadian prairie in Alberta. My three brothers and I spent many happy days of our childhood outside, exploring. Sometimes we stumbled on a bird’s nest or a fawn. We picked saskatoon berries and climbed trees. We also found some amazing rocks, prizing especially the ones that sparkled and glittered with strands of quartz or mica. They were like treasures, and I kept them close.

Now I have children—three boys—and we live in the city of Vancouver. There’s wildlife, including coyotes, raccoons, and eagles. There are trees to climb and berries to pick. But rocks seem to be rare in the world of pavement, concrete, and manicured parks—until you see streets of cobblestone, steps of granite, statues and walls of marble, and much more. Rocks are everywhere!

Rocks are amazing not just because they are pretty, but also because they are like windows into reality. God speaks to us in the Bible using all kinds of references to things he created: plants, water, wind, animals, rocks, and much more. All of it is good and beautiful—and like a window into his goodness.

So this month let’s go rock-finding in the Bible and see what stones and gems can teach us—about God’s character, our own character, and our need for God in all situations.