the beauty of nature restores the soul
There is an area near Fort Wayne, Indiana called the Bicentennial Woods, and I recently got to experience it first-hand as I went on a hike through its glorious paths. It’s a chunk of wooded land tucked in the middle of miles of farmland that is a wonderful surprise. The trees are tall and so close together that they form a lush green canopy to walk under in the heat of summer. Sunlight pokes it way through the leaves giving just enough light to guide you along the path and there is a aura of peace that hovers there.
Someone has taken time to clear amazing paths through these woods so it is easy to find your way through it without getting lost. The paths wind past fallen trees which lie on both sides and are perfect for climbing and adventuring.
The lower path leads past a beautiful stream of clear water where small rocks are abundant for skipping. The quiet bubbling of the water is soothing. Every so often along the way I would stop and close my eyes, taking time to just smell the forest air—full of oxygen, no pollution. Air, the way God planned it.
Being in this idyllic place drew my heart to a well loved Psalm—“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing…he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake….surely your goodness and your love will follow me all the days of my life.”(excerpts, Psalm 23)
I am thankful for soul-restoration moments like this. My soul needs them desperately. My heart needs them deply. And my shepherd knows that.
How does nature restore your soul? Have you had a chance to experience some soul-restoration moments summer? If not, will you plan for this now?
By Jeannie Blocher, Fort Wayne, Indiana