“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.