I’ve recently taken up running again, after about a 4 year hiatus. Perhaps that’s an exaggeration, as what I’m really doing is walking fast, and then jogging for about a minute, then back to walking. I’m pleased that at this early stage it’s going well, and when I’m out there the combination of nature and exercise is literally exhilarating, and at such times, thoughts of inspiration often come. There’s more walking than running at this stage, so I have lots of time to observe what’s around me.
The other day there was a plethora of sights to enjoy: a lovely watchful deer, a mama duck with her brood of ducklings, a stand of Blue Giant Hyssop, and a garter snake eating a frog – the frog still squeaking. Of course I was not fast enough with my cell phone to catch the picture! Also on my walk, I noted a cluster of ripe Saskatoon berries. They were well hidden, but I noticed them. They were delicious.
I have to concur with the Psalmist, “How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”(Psalm 104:24) There’s a lot of encouragement to be had in nature, but there are also warnings, and sobering messages that come through. For example when I discovered the name of the Blue Giant flower – Hyssop, my mind immediately went to the Psalmist again, “Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean.” (Psalm 51:7) In ancient times, hyssop was used to symbolize cleansing of the soul. I’m reminded that I need more than an outer washing, I need cleansing from my sins, and as the hyssop plant appears in the crucifixion story, the symbolism is clear. (John 19:29)
Does seeing a snake remind you of the times in the Bible where the devil is referred to as a serpent? “…that ancient serpent, who is called the devil…” (Revelation 12:9) Although snakes are incredible creatures, they do remind me that Satan is really “seeking someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8) I couldn’t help it – seeing the snake in the process of devouring the frog brought this to mind..
“Not such an encouraging walk, Linda”, you might say. Well, God speaks to my heart in various ways, and He’s not afraid to remind me that it’s not all rosy down here. For example, that mama duck is almost guaranteed to lose some of her brood to predators. The deer may very well eat someone’s flowers or vegetables, or fall prey itself to a wolf. The berries I mentioned were hard to find, and the monarch caterpillar I saw on a milkweed plant (did I mention this in my sightings?) will most likely be eaten by a bird. Nature is raw and hard, and often I say, “Too much nature!”, but then I generally repent the thought, because after all, this is my Father’s world.
There’s a beautiful hymn entitled just that, THIS IS MY FATHER’S WORLD. Of course the wonder of nature is extolled in this song, but a different theme comes through in one of the stanzas that fits more closely with my recent lessons from nature. These words proved very comforting to me during a time in my life when I experienced a very hard and unjust thing. During that time, I heard this hymn often, and it was like a balm to my soul. Perhaps you can relate to these words as well.
“This is my Father’s world – O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong
God is the Ruler yet
This is my Father’s world! The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And Earth and Heav’n be one”
What amazes me is the watchful care of our Father over all His creation. “Look at the birds of the air”, Jesus said, “they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (John 6:26) My Heavenly Father sees it all, and He sees me. It’s not a coincidence to me that often over the years, at the anniversary of this painful time, this song “happens” to appear in the worship service at church, and sometimes even twice in the same service! This year was no exception. When the strains of this song begin, comfort washes over me, as I’m reminded once again that my Heavenly Father sees me, and remembers my pain all those years ago, and I’m filled with peace. The story’s not finished yet.
Let nature say to you what it will, but to the listening ear, the message will be worth the hearing.