Deep in the Woods

There’s a mysterious place deep in the woods. It’s far off the beaten path where no human has ventured. Untouched. Pure nature.

No boot prints are found, but there are footprints. Forest dwellers.

Creature paths appear random and meandering, but they are not. These trails are specific and intentional. They know where their food comes from and the safest way to get there. Provision. Trust.

Nestled into a craggy rock formation high on a forested slope, a spring bubbles up and over the roots and rocks, splashing its way down. It’s been bubbling and sparkling for years. Following a well-worn route along the forest floor, the stream bed weaves its way through gullies, towering pines, aspens, and mountain meadows. Sometimes the clear water tumbles and crashes over various forest debris, faster and faster as it descends. Other times, it slows and spreads, creating deep pools of cool water that laze along, peacefully chattering in swirls and eddies. Life-giving.

The absence of humans doesn’t mean the absence of sound. The deep woods are a sound garden of their own. Nature has a voice, and it’s primeval and beautiful.

The pines and aspens shiver and whisper with the wind as it sighs through branches and moves along tree trunks, creaking and bending—a symphony of sorts.

Sticks, dead leaves, and pine needles rustle and snap as unseen creatures forage and spy under fallen trees and twisting vines.

The babble of birdsong in the forest canopy sounds chaotic at first listen. But the trills, melodies, and harmonies blend into an exciting and joyful concerto that echoes through the trees, along the stream, and over the meadows.

Nightfall has its own unique orchestra. Whispery feathers blend with the haunting call of the owl in flight; it is otherworldly and beautiful. The stealthy sounds of night hunters and creepers as they prowl, hide, and call are eerie and supernatural.

This untouched slice of nature is a beautiful testament to Divine creation. The One who created all things sees and hears the happenings in the deep woods. It brings Him joy in its purity. The creaks and shushing of the wind in the canopy, rushing water, and the groans of nature are like a symphony of worship. His creation cries out to Him with joyful noises and complete trust in His provision. It is pleasing incense and a thing of deep beauty to Him who sits on the throne. Devoid of human voices, even the rocks cry out to the Father who holds the world in His hands.

Psalm 150:6 NLT “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

The Forest Knows…

The forest knows her name. She feels it’s gentle pull and call. Come and rest, re-center, and decompress. Melodies and harmonies of peace, joy, and ancient things.

Busyness, worry, and overthinking also know her name and they’ve been calling – shouts, demands, and confusing voices. Chaos circles looking for a crack, a chink, a tiny fissure to slink into.

It’s hard to let go of worry and expectations. Fear tells her that if she rests, breathes too deeply, and allows expectations to sit awhile, all sorts of disasters and sinister things may happen. What-if…

Lately there is a restless feeling that pricks and swirls in her mind and soul; a sensation of something just ahead slipping out of sight, waiting around the next bend in the path. Not as a fear-based shout, but a whispered song to come, explore, release – seek, find, and be blessed. Be healed.

She listens and makes her way to the forest. Her favorite path winding through Redwoods – so old, so wise, so healing – invites a quieted mind and tender heart open to the Divine whispers held in creation. Golden silence alive with the sounds of nature. Everything interwoven with His breath, His hands, His healing, and His peace.

The safety and wisdom she’s seeking seeps into her soul. There is rest and healing here. No expectations. Creator and creation singing to her spirit of love, rejuvenation, and acceptance. Supernatural, holy, ancient things are all around. Healing, mysterious, and deep.

The cracks and fissures from living life are filled in with His love, protection, and compassion. She won’t be the same when she leaves here and that is a divine and beautiful thing.

Deep calling to deep in the midst of Divine creation. He knows her name – she will always be welcome, always be healed.

It is Good

Morning begins as the sky blushes pink.

Tinges of sunlight peek through tree branches brightening the dew that gathered on the leaf tips.

The first gentle birdsong of the day breaks through the quiet morning in the meadow.

Nature’s alarm clock for sleepy, nestled down creatures.

Twitching noses tentatively sniff the chilled air. Who’s passed through during the night?

With that first chirp, meadow life shifts into motion for another day.

Grasses and tall flowers sway with the breeze, their stems bending low as fat bumblebees sip and tiny birds snip at seeds and insects along the delicate leaves and petals.

A mountain stream chatters and sings as it makes its way over branches and rocks.

Teeming with life, furry creatures wait motionless along the edges of the stream for their breakfast of insects, tadpoles, and crawdads. A full smorgasbord!

Far off, the repetitive pecking of a woodpecker echoes off the surrounding trees, blending in harmony with the full chorus of birdsong that resounds in the meadow.

So much life, so much beauty. Divine fingerprints everywhere.

A warmer afternoon lulls and soothes the busy inhabitants of the meadow. The pace of hunting, gathering, and gossiping fades and slows.

Traveling along its Creator made path the sun begins the descent toward the horizon.

The light and air take on a different feel – cooling, dimming, winding down.

Ethereal. Supernatural.

The day dwellers begin their tasks of settling in as snug dens and cozy nests beckon.

Night falls and the moon and stars take over the sky.

 Night dwellers stretch, sniff the cooling air, and begin their routines. Their time in the meadow has a different energy than that of the day timers.

It is a time of quiet, stealth, and keen observation. Eyes and ears always alert.

They are just as busy as the day creatures, but go about things in a careful, hushed, and methodical way.

Moonlight and shadows are their friends as mystery and other worldliness take center stage.

His Divine Presence is here in the cover of night just as much as in the light of day.

He looks at all of creation and says, “It is good.”

Take His Hand

Grab His hand and walk with Him. You are safe. You are loved. Peace be with you.