I don’t spend as much time outdoors as I should. When I was young, I was outside a lot, playing, riding my bicycle, building forts in the woods, and swimming. I think most children have an innate sense of what they need. We were healthier and happier when left to explore and grow our minds and bodies in nature.
As I got older, I spent less time outdoors. If it was hot, I didn’t want to get sweaty. If it was cold, I wanted to be where it was warm! If it was windy, I didn’t want my hair to get messed up. The best outdoor times for me as I matured were when I had little ones to play with and take to the park. Now that I homeschool, my best times are nature walks or play times at the pool.
When we spend time outdoors, something in our spirit opens up. Stress is relieved, creativity blossoms, and our emotions are stimulated, allowing us to be more open to the nature around us, which enables us to accept others into “our space.” We are more open to opening us and sharing with others.
As we experience nature, we are unconsciously connecting to a higher source. God is inherently present. As we pause to allow our minds and bodies to absorb the peace and energy of nature, our spirit is automatically drawn to Him. God gives us an important reminder.
He prepares us to listen.
Jeremiah 7:13 says, “While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called to you, but you did not answer.”
Growing our walk and relationship with God takes effort, just like any human relationship does. As we develop bonds with those we care for on earth, we study them, spend time with them, talk to them, and listen to them. The same applies to God.
So often people want to know Him or grow in Him, but we don’t invest the time. If we don’t feel like our relationship or understanding is developing, maybe we need to focus on something else. Listening.
“Psalm 46:10a “Be still, and know that I am God.”
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