Noticing Nature

The neighbors behind our house have this lovely red tree that peeks over our fence.  I’m not really sure what kind of tree it is, though I’m sure I could look it up on my phone, but there is something about the red leaves that captivate me.  The sun hits it in different ways at various times throughout the day.  Sometimes the leaves are a deep auburn color without much depth, but at other times, when the sun hits it just right, the leaves become a radiant red and exude a vibrant glow.  As I look out my window each day this tree invites me to slow down and pay attention.

In our yard, we have a variety of birds, but one that I often notice is the mourning dove.  It has a distinctive cooing that you can hear even when the doors and windows are closed.  It causes me to pause and wonder what it is up to.

This past weekend I was at a park with a friend and enjoyed sitting in the sunshine and feeling the breeze as it danced across my skin and through my hair.  The tree branches gently rustled in the wind and it felt like a space of rest and peace.

I don’t know about you, but setting aside time to be in nature is good for my mind, body, and spirit.  Observing what is in bloom, noticing the many types of birds, and enjoying the fresh air are all ways I see God at work through his marvelous creation.

What would it look like for you to set aside time this week to get outside?  Maybe you can head to a local park, take a stroll around your neighborhood, or even sit in your garden if you are lucky enough to have one.

What would it look like to slow your pace down this week and be intentional about noticing God’s goodness in creation around you?

~  Melissa