Craving Adventure
Going somewhere new and different can be exciting, stimulating, or frightening. I seem to vascillate between loving comfort and security, and craving new adventures. Since I took up photography, I have this need to see something other than the view from my window, or all my photos would look the same.
Next month, Mark and I will be exploring Northern Alabama, one of the most biodiverse states in the US. It helps that we live here now, so we can see a lot on a day trip. I hope to find many new scenes to collect with my camera that I will share with you over the next few months.
Prepare to be amazed
When I go out in Nature, I go with an expectation of experiencing God in a new way. Our Creator made this world for us to care for and enjoy. The plants and animals are part of our family, and I believe we are healthier and happier if we get close to them as often as possible. This photo is of a place near our home, where we go often. There is always something new to see, especially with the change in seasons.
Image for Contemplation: Swan Creek Greenway Trail – Athens, AL
Can you imagine standing there, looking down the trail, enjoying the coolness of the shade, and wondering what’s around the bend? I invite you to contemplate this scene: imagine the bird sounds, the breeze, the sound of the creek nearby. Think about the life that is crawling just under those brown leaves. Imagine the huge network of roots from all those trees, allowing them to support each other.
Psalm 23 – Try reading it while looking at the scene
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. *
Please share your thoughts in the comments
Let’s have a conversation. What do you experience when spending time in Nature? How does it affect your relationship with the Creator?
If you would like to get new posts by email, subscribe on Substack.
*The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
Leave a Reply