The Wonder of Nature

Staring out the window, my thoughts drifted with the waves. A blanket of sapphire sky was painted above the lake, creating nothing but blue scenery for miles. Back and forth the boat steadily rocked, creating little flips in my stomach. The previous week had been inexplicably stressful and my mood was less than cheary. My husband’s family had rented a houseboat for the weekend of Mother’s Day and despite my rough week, I’d promised to come along.

“There you are.”

I turned at the sound of my husband’s voice.

“My parents rented some kayaks; wanna take them out on the lake?”

Sighing, I shook my head. “No thanks. I’m not really in the mood.”

“It’s a beautiful day! You might enjoy the fresh air. Please?”

Besides boarding the houseboat, I’d barely been outside in nature for two weeks. I reluctantly nodded and grabbed a lifejacket. The waves swayed ever so slightly as I carefully climbed into the kayak. I adjusted the backrest before grabbing a paddle.

“This better not capsize.” I breathed toward my husband.

As we made our way, my head started to clear. I could feel an enormous weight lift off my chest as we paddled. I didn’t want to admit it, but my husband was right – the fresh air did feel good. Once we reached shore, we got out to stretch our legs. Little bits of sun streamed through bare tree branches and in that moment, I felt completely at peace. A dark cloud of stress melted away as soon as the sun touched my shoulders. The feeling was indescribable!

A Problem…

Climbing back into the kayak, we grabbed our paddles and headed for the houseboat. Halfway between the boat and shore, I felt cold water splash my legs.

“Morgan, I think there’s a leak in the kayak.”

“What?!” The panic in his voice rose. “Are we going to sink?”

“I don’t know, but we’re taking on water pretty fast.”

“What do we do? Can we make it?”

Without warning, I broke into laughter. Although it was probably an inopportune time, I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. Confused, he began paddling faster.

“It’s not funny, Maddie. I don’t want to sink.”

I tried to stifle my laughter, unfazed at this point at the possibility of capsizing.

The Beauty of Nature

When we finally reached the boat, I was soaked. But after spending less than an hour outside, my mood had already changed. It felt amazing to be alive!

“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land” (Psalm 95:4-5, NIV).

I am reminded every day at how beautiful and healing nature is.

God has created a beautiful heaven on earth for us to enjoy. I find it amazing how nature can soothe and rejuvenate our spirit. On the boat, I was basing the day off my mood, but God freed me from my stress through the beauty of nature. God not only provides for our basic needs, but He also gives us nature to heal our weary souls.

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12, NIV).

Madeleine Lowe writes from Indiana.

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