‘’Some old fashioned things like fresh air & sunshine are hard to beat’
(Laura Ingalls Wilder)
There’s nothing like the great outdoors-the world outside our window. There’s nothing like a walk along the beach or in the hills or woods to clear our minds & refresh our perspective.
The Norwegians have a word friluftsliv literally meaning ‘free air life’ which sounds much more poetic than ‘outdoors’
Shinrin-yoku in Japanese literally means ‘forest bathing’ -soaking in the atmosphere of the forest for relaxation & well-being. Our world has all the blue space & green space we need to reduce stress & boost our mood.
We recently visited Zadar on the coast of Croatia. One of its attractions is the Sea Organ. Tubular structures arranged under the marble steps allow the rhythm of the waves of the Adriatic Sea to produce a mesmerising melody. It’s architecture, music & creation combined. It’s a song that never ceases!
‘Creation sings the Father’s Song’ wrote Getty & Townend. Yet often, we’re too distracted to hear the song.
It’s not that God’s music has stopped but often there’s just too much noise to hear. We need to get away from our tech & distractions & soak in the God-made environment. Life feels better barefoot & getting out in nature helps us unplug & unwind- detached from pressures, surrounded by creation.
Our mighty God’s creative artistry is evident on this planet we call home in:
Starlight & sunshine,
waterfalls & waves,
sunflowers & ladybirds,
alpacas & puppies,
freckles & fingerprints,
heartbeats & brainwaves,
rainbows & ripples,
moonbeams & mountain peaks.
God’s finger prints are seen across our amazing world- designed & hand-made by Him.
And Yahweh who breathed life into humankind & our world is even more awesome than all of His creation. David wrote:
‘You are glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains.’
(Psalms 76:4 NLT)
We can ‘Stop look around & praise the Name of Him who made it all’ {as engraved on a rock in Tollymore Forest}
It’s like therapy – creation therapy!
And we feel blessed & grateful.
I recently finished a book The language of rivers & stars by Seth Lewis. He wrote:
‘This world was made for wandering, & your soul was made for wonder!’
So this summer, wherever you go & whatever the weather, make sure you find some inspirational calm in creation. And more importantly meet the Maker!
Take every chance to appreciate something beautiful. Marvel at God’s handiwork displayed all around!
Blessings,
Ruth x
Blessed! 