Nature

  Does life stress you out? We all feel stress sometimes, but when life seems so hard and you feel so stressed that you just want to yell, “Stop the world, I want to get off!” then you probably need to go outside and get some fresh air and sunshine. You’ve probably heard that before, but there is some truth to it. Nature is one thing that helps me feel better when I am stressed. There’s just something so refreshing and calming for me about walking in the woods. Or looking at a body of water. If you live near the ocean, you are blessed. If you don’t, maybe you can go to a lake or a stream. The sound of rippling water is so soothing. Even in the winter, if you can get outside alone for just even a half an hour, it might help you refresh your mind.

  God made the world. He made the ocean, trees, streams, flowers, and birds. So when we take some time to gaze on his creation, to walk in his woods, to listen to the birds or rippling water, we are in touch with our creator. When we take a little time to just be, he can work some peace in our soul. Being in touch with nature can have a healing touch. If you live in the city, maybe go to a roof top, or a window where you can catch a glimpse of sky. Or go to a park if you can and look at the grass and plants there. Even some insects can bring some revelation of life. Lady bugs are cute, butterflies are delicate, grasshoppers, up close, look like science fiction creatures to me. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Other versions say, ” the skies display his craftsmanship.” Personally, I’m glad God made such a variety in the world. How dull life would be if we didn’t have his diverse nature to marvel at.

  It’s so easy to take these things for granted. We go to work every day and we see the same things day after day, so it can be easy to not give them a second thought. Maybe take the time today as you travel, to notice any kind of nature you might see. Then when you can get, even 15 minutes to yourself to step outside and be intentional about what you are looking at and thinking about. Breathe in the air and remember that you have breath in your lungs today because God allowed it. Take a deep breath and look up at the sky. Is it blue, white, grey? Are you standing on grass, dirt? Do weeds pop up between the cracks in the concrete? Do you hear any birds? Is there a breeze blowing, or leaves rustling? Your life is not just work, worry, bills, health issues, or problems to figure out. I know it can feel that way sometimes. When it does, find any little piece of nature you can, and remember there is a higher power in control of it all. He made that little piece of nature you are looking at. The birds do not worry, the flowers do not worry, yet they thrive. They were not made by human hands and neither were you.