The Beauty and Benefit of Nature

Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

Ecclesiastes 11:7 - "Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun. For if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all." 

"We can and should rejoice as we live the life God gives us. There is color, light, warmth and beauty in God's world. There are people who say and do kind things. Life brings many delightful moments." (Your Father Loves You by J.I. Packer, August 21 reading)

Articles have been written about the benefits of getting out in nature, for our health and emotional well-being. Personally, I have found that if I am in a bad mood or feeling unmotivated, a walk in the woods is the perfect remedy. My spirits are lifted and I have new energy and joy. When God created his world, he was pleased with his creation, pronouncing it good. 

C.S. Lewis wrote: "Any patch of sunlight in a wood will show you something about the sun which you could never get from reading books on astronomy. These pure and spontaneous pleasures are 'patches of Godlight' in the woods of our experience."

There are so many parks and preserves in south Jersey, right here tucked in and around our own neighborhoods, which provide many opportunities for us to enjoy God's creation. It's an adventure to explore them all, and I believe God is delighted when we delight in the beauty of what he has made.

So go take a hike!
Phyllis