For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

The monk knows that without a constant and intimate relationship with nature, divinity is not fully revealed.

Thomas Moore

About five years ago, at a time when I was exhausted emotionally, relationally and physically, crying out to the Lord for true rest, He told me to spend more time outside.  That made sense to me, because I knew that being outside quieted my soul.  Still it has taken me years to carve out regular time for being outdoors and I’m still not satisfied with what I have.  Because I want more peace, more joy, more depth of insight, I know I must keep making time to be in His creation.

This past weekend I was up in the mountains hiking with my husband.  We were on a trial we had hiked many times before and it was noticeable how many new trees were felled.  My husband told me they collapsed under the weight of this past winter’s heavy snow fall.  It was interesting to notice that it was mostly the young, pencil thin trees that had fallen.  These younger trees grew up in drought and had never borne such a heavy burden on their branches.  The weight of the snow through the winter was too much for them.  And once again the Lord’s ways were amplified for me in His creation: our trials prepare us for what will come next.  The little ones ready us for the bigger ones that await down the road (James 1:3-4).  This reminder inspired me to bow my head to the Lord regarding some of my current life challenges.  I want to trust that He saw the current difficulties and chose, in His wisdom, not to protect me from them.  He said “yes” to them because He knew what I would learn and the faith I would exercise and strengthen and both would be needed in the future.  He says “yes” to my trials because He loves me and wants me to experience victory in life (Psalm 119:67, 71, 75, 92).

Crystal Point Trail in Munds Park, AZ

These fallen trees on my lovely hike were a kind and gentle reminder of a hard truth.  I love when He does this – deepens my understanding – through His creation, His classroom.   Noticing the grounded trees, hearing their message to me, was pleasant, affirming and renewing.  I can’t wait to get back to class.