Amos 4:13 “He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth -- the Lord God Almighty is His name.”
Since the death of my daughter, Katie, I have found I enjoy being outside and enjoying nature so much, especially the mountains. Not only does it cleanse my spirit but it also puts my thinking in perspective. John Muir wrote about the mountains saying, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into the trees. The winds will blow their freshness into you, and the storms, their energy, while cares will drop off like falling leaves.”
I was shocked by the physical toll grief took on my body. The literal definition of grievous is “causing physical suffering.” We have difficulty sleeping and no energy. Muscles ache, we have shortness of breath, tightness in our chest, our stomachs hurt, we often have headaches and we are tense. That is all normal, but it is important to take care of you.
When we are outdoors in nature we are reminded of the power and creativity of our God. I believe God speaks to us through what He has created. Our God who created the vastness of the Grand Canyon reminds us of the vastness of His love for us. The beauty that can be seen in the valley of Yosemite Valley gives us a glimpse of the beautiful nature of our Creator. If you have ever traveled to Bryce Canyon the canyon laughs as God’s sense of humor is displayed everywhere you catch a glimpse of the hoodoos. In nature we catch a small glimpse of what heaven must be like. Our children on the other hand are experiencing it right now.
So this week, I challenge you to take a walk and get a sense of heaven and let God speak. Open your door, put on some shoes, and take a walk even if you only get to the end of your driveway. Look out and see what beauty God has placed right outside your door. Feel the sunshine. Let the wind blow His spirit into you and let Him take your cares away.
Lord, let us look up and out of our hurting souls to the beauty you have created. There is so much You say to us through the beauty that surrounds us.
-- Michele
