The Christian faith is deeply rooted in a belief in God's creation and presence in the world. Throughout history, Christians have found comfort, inspiration, and a spiritual connection with God through various practices. One such practice is the enjoyment and appreciation of nature. Looking at the world's beauty can enhance our spiritual lives, providing opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and a sense of wonder. In this blog post, we will explore how Christians can embrace the spiritual practice of enjoying nature in today's world. Connecting with God in the Great Outdoors: We experience a wondrous tapestry of God's creation when we venture into nature. From majestic mountains to serene lakes and vibrant forests to breathtaking sunsets, the beauty around us reminds us of God's presence and artistic handiwork. As Christians, we believe that God's glory is revealed through creation, and immersing ourselves in nature allows us to witness this firsthand. I live in Minnesota, where we have an abundance of nature. Living in Rochester allows me to enjoy the rivers and forests around me. An ever-changing landscape of farms and fields surrounds us. The scenery changes dramatically with the flow of seasons. The green fields will become the basin for snow mounds in a few months. Most of us enjoy the shifting beauty of our four seasons; others believe God has a sense of humor. Appreciating God's Provision: Nature provides a wealth of resources that sustain us physically, mentally, and spiritually. In nature, we receive the gift of fresh air, clean water, and nourishing food. When we take the time to enjoy these elements, we can cultivate gratitude for God's provision in our lives. The practice of enjoying nature can remind us of our dependence on God and help us develop a deeper appreciation for bountiful blessings. As we come upon the harvest season, I see all of the work of the farmers yielded with the harvest. This has been an extremely dry and hot summer, so I expect the yield to be lower than usual. Yet, with God’s help, the harvest will reach our tables and feed families worldwide. It takes many helping hands and months to bring blessings from the field to the table, yet God is patient with our blessings. Finding Serenity and Renewal: In the busyness of our daily lives, it is easy to lose sight of the divine presence within us. However, nature offers us a sanctuary of peace and serenity, inviting us to slow down and reconnect with our Creator. Walking through a forest, sitting by a babbling brook, or gazing at a starry night sky can provide much-needed respite from the noise and distractions of modern life. In these moments, we can clear our minds, listen to the whispers of God, and recharge our spirits. I find two daily outdoor encounters extremely helpful to my writing and soul. After morning coffee, the dog and I leave for our morning walk. It is quiet, and there is little traffic, so that I can gleam several sights from the well-manicured lawns, surrounding fields, and usually blue sky. In the early afternoon, I escape on my bicycle through the woods and become engulfed in nature as I pedal through the tunnel of trees hanging over me. After sitting behind my desk writing about God all day, having two soul breaks in nature allows me to encounter God rather than type on a keyboard about God. Reflecting on God's Word: Nature is also a powerful backdrop for spiritual reflection and meditation on God's Word. Throughout Scripture, natural elements are often metaphors to convey deeper truths about God's character and relationship with humanity. When we encounter these elements in the world around us, we can be prompted to delve deeper into God's Word, seeking to understand the divine message and our place within creation. I have a practice when I run in winter to memorize Bible verses. Focusing on the Bible verses takes my mind off running and places it on God’s word. I memorize sixty-six Bible passages each year to move through the Bible. Being outside in the cold air and winter wonderland helps me meditate on each passage as I draw them from my memory. Environmental Stewardship: Embracing the practice of enjoying nature goes hand in hand with the Christian call to be good stewards of God's creation. As we develop a deep love and appreciation for nature, we are inspired to care for it in responsible and sustainable ways. By actively participating in efforts to protect the environment, we can live out our faith and contribute to the well-being of future generations. We have several solar panels on the tops of the homes in our neighborhood. We are not to that point yet at our house. I have moved from gas-powered lawnmowers and lawn trimmers to electric ones. We are also happy to report that our recycling bin is consistently fuller than our garbage can. I fully realize I am just a tenant on this planet placed here by God to care for it. Incorporating the spiritual practice of enjoying nature into our lives as Christians can deepen our relationship with God, cultivate gratitude, and foster environmental stewardship. By immersing ourselves in the beauty and wonder of God's creation, we can find comfort, renewal, and a greater sense of connection to the divine. So, let us venture into nature with open hearts, allowing God's creation to speak to our souls and inspiring us to live more fully as faithful followers of Christ. If we are uncertain about God’s role in nature, we only need to turn to the opening chapters of Genesis. It is clear that God created all that there is, and we were placed here to tend the garden. While we tend the garden, it is permissible, and God even encourages us to enjoy it. Earth may not be heaven, but you can see it from here.