“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” Psalm 19:1-4 NIV
The embers from last night’s campfire spark and crackle in the crisp, early morning air. There is still a bit of warmth that reaches me. Memories of the stories told, the s’mores eaten, and easy comradery flit through my mind.
Steamy tendrils drift and wisp from my coffee. The peace of this early hour soothes and refreshes from a night of deep, cozy sleep. The haunting call of an owl and far-off yips of coyotes were my lullaby.
Tender, new sun rays hover and glisten off the dewy drops clinging to the Redwood trees, the gems of the forest. Beauty in simplicity, Creator’s delight.
The scrub jays are the first to begin their chatter, soon joined by other light-dwellers as morning routines begin. Grey squirrels are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as they forage and chatter the morning gossip.
Thin veils of mist rise up from the thick Redwood bark. The misty swirls and eddies look like elusive forest sprites as sunbeams catch them for a moment, then release them to vanish into the maze of branches and vines. Magical. Mysterious.
As the sun rises higher and its warmth penetrates the forest canopy, more of nature’s choir join in the song: Chirps, croaks, chatter, and scolding echo through the trees. The rustles and cracks of disturbed undergrowth add to the harmony.
The voice of the forest is never truly silent. Creation blooms and swells with songs of delight and joy, rising up, up, up to His ears. The scent of old growth and fresh, bright pine mingle and blend with the nature songs—an incense of joy that wafts and twists upward in the crisp air, finding its way to the Holy of Holies.
The hot coffee is warm and soothing in my hands as I stand on the patio in the early morning chill. There is something hushed, lovely, and holy about the pre-sunrise time of day. It feels like a gift of time and preparation. The rush of daytime is kept at bay for just a bit. Peace can settle in and soothe, remnants of dreams that mystify or frighten can be looked at and let go, plans can be prayed over, and worries can be trusted into His hands. It’s sacred to me and I treasure it.
Tucked in under the horizon, the Autumn sun waits in the wings as the moon and stars cling to their last vestiges of dark. Soon she will begin her ascent with just the smallest hint of light tinting the inky sky. The light is coming. It always comes. It always illuminates and brings into focus the mysteries, the blurred edges, and the fears.
From the big tree in my front yard, I hear the hooting of an owl. It’s haunting, mysterious, and beautiful. Calming, yet eerie. Things may appear still and sleepy in the dark, but it’s actually full of life and activity. I hear the scratching and rustling of night creatures in the Jasmine and tall grasses at the edge of the yard taking advantage of the last moments of the cover of darkness.
The neighborhood begins to wake up as the light, yellow-y pink of the horizon shows itself in the East. I see His hand in the colors that wash the sky in its morning glow. Clouds highlighted in dabs and splashes of gentle color. I imagine God smiling as He paints such beauty for those of us who stop for a minute to look, to feel, to allow ourselves to be wrapped up in His delight and love. He is everywhere. He loves us.
Early morning sunlight cheerfully illuminates the cozy kitchen in her cabin by the lake. A hot cup of Paris blend tea keeps her hands toasty. Steamy, hot oatmeal with brown sugar, walnuts, and golden raisins awaits. The embers from last night’s fire snicker and glow, still giving off a bit of heat.
January at the cabin is chilly and peaceful. Dewdrops glint off the reeds standing guard at the edge of the lake. Sunlight sparkles off the frosted needles of the old pine that has stood as protector over the cabin for as long as she can remember. The many creatures that call the lake their home are still here prowling, hunting, and sunning themselves. The pace and rhythm of life slow a bit as Nature cozies into the slumber of Winter.
Charity feels her bunched-up shoulders and neck relax and release as she sits in the silence. Her tense body and racing mind need a reprieve. This is where she’ll find it. “Help me find my way back to You,” she whispers.
Charity has walked with Him for a long time, and she knows His voice, the gentle nudge that tugs at her soul. The songs and murmurs that whisper holy, divine things into her heart, speaking healing over her. “Come away…” they say.
Dressed in layers with hiking boots and a hat, Charity heads out for a walk around the lake. Filled with anticipation at the treasures and surprises she will come across, her heart is happy, and her steps are light. The crisp wintry air is rejuvenating as she breathes in deep and long, inhaling peace and exhaling heaviness. The mysterious, divine exchange she’s been waiting for over these past few months. Rest. Peace. Hope.
As the leaf-strewn path veers down and to the right, she hears the lapping waves on the bank of the lake, moved along by a brisk, bright breeze. Rhythmic and soothing, the sound comforts and calms.
Further along, sunlight filters through the pine branches, leaving lovely patches of light and shadow along her route. A reminder that light always pierces the darkness. Nothing is hidden from Him. He will always find her, even when her life-journey leads through valleys and twisty paths that seem hopelessly dim and gloomy. Those who follow Him shall not walk in darkness…1
Around a sharp twist in the path, a small outcropping of rocks hugs the edge of the water. Reeds and other water plants grow along one side, creating the perfect hiding spot for crawdads and other small lake creatures. Footprints in the squishy mud at the edge of the lake—raccoons or perhaps an opossum looking for a late-night nibble? Remnants of red, orange-y shells confirm it—the circle of life.
Sitting on the rocks, Charity soaks in the warmth of the wintry sun, inhaling that earthy lake smell that feels like home. His presence is strong here. The sights, sounds, and scents of the trees and lake are like beautiful gifts waiting for her to unwrap. How He knows her! The One who created all things hand-picked bits of joy, delight, and unexpected encounters with Himself to remind her that all is well. She is loved, and never alone.
Moving along, Charity tucks into her heart all the carefully placed blessings and treasures she encounters along the way. Reminders for when life gets messy and chaotic. The beauty of a sweet purple mountain flower that stubbornly holds on despite the cold slumber of winter. Antics of the scrub jays and squirrels dashing through blankets of pine needles, scolding each other, and making her laugh. Whiffs of old-Earth scents—timeless and eternal. Everything that speaks to Charity—safety, love, and being fully known—was intentionally scattered along her path this morning by the Father.
Back at the cabin, she relaxes on the deck in her comfy lounger, hot cocoa taking the chill from her hands. Her time with Jesus this morning was exactly what she needed—refreshed with treasured surprises and blessings to keep close to her heart.
As the sounds of the mountain lake stir, shush, and float over her, she gently drifts off to sleep in the winter sun.
Do you talk to Jesus? Where is your place to spend time with Him?
Nature is my spot where I feel His presence so fully and completely.
Sometimes I sit quietly and listen to Him speak to me through a brilliant pink sunset.
Sometimes I walk with Him and pour out all that overwhelms me and weighs so heavy on my soul.
Sometimes I talk to Him out loud, sometimes through tears.
Sometimes I just say thank you for all the beauty and good things in my life–even if it’s hard to find something lovely at the moment.
What about you? Do you hear Him speak to you audibly?
Do you experience Him in nature, at church, in the kitchen with your coffee before everyone else is up, on your drive to work, in the carpool pick up line?
I’d love to know the way He speaks to you and where you experience Him. It is fascinating the way we are each created to experience Him so differently.
Thankfulness. There’s something beautiful and healing about being thankful, and not just with the big ticket things. But with deeply personal, gentle surprises and delights that you know Jesus planned just for you…
*the way the breeze brushes your skin *the coziness of a coffee shop on a blustery day *the whisper of His voice through a splashing stream *the gentle purr of a fluffy white cat sleeping across your shoulders *the peace that falls on you as you sit in the Redwoods *the quiet beauty of a summer night stargazing…
When I recognize that these little things are hand picked by Jesus to bring me joy, smiles, and contentment it makes them all the more precious and special…just for me simply because He loves me. He loves you, too.
