By: Reverend Stephanie M. Johnson
As we approach the one-year mark of the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve reflected on the abundance I’ve experienced, even in the midst of worry and anxiety. I have always been grateful to be out in nature to explore all that God has created. However, this past year my appreciation of all the bounty of God’s good earth has deepened. In ways unexpected, I’ve been able to take time to really see the world around me.
Morning after morning I sat with my coffee to await the arrival of my good friends, who can safely visit in COVID times, two red cardinals. It seems like a wonderful start to every day to be greeted with the glorious red colors flying across our backyard, heralding the new day.
In October, we watched the squirrels as they have completely devoured our four pumpkins. I’ve rejoiced as they enjoyed the tasty treat that we left them on our front porch. In a funny moment over Christmas, we put a gallon of apple cider on our back porch when the fridge was filled, only to find that the squirrels had nibbled into the plastic lid. The next morning, they happily lapped up our Christmas apple cider, sharing in our Christmas feast. I sat for awhile watching as two squirrels, peering over the bottle, drank of this abundance.
The beauty of Tod’s Point continues to be a tremendous offering for the many people who flock there day after day, in any type of weather. I’ve stopped to marvel at the herons as they sit in their perches and watch the waves lap gently on the shore. Each season seemed more vibrant and alive than I ever remembered. Somehow those moment speak to me of the promise that life continues in nature.
So, what does this all have to do with a faith-based column? Absolutely everything. The Bible is filled with stories of people encountering God on the mountaintop. The Psalms proclaim that nature itself praises and blesses God “let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” (Psalm 96:12) Stories and references to the cycle of nature are commonplace throughout the Scripture reflecting the connectedness and the interdependence of people and the natural world. Martin Luther, the German reformation leader, once said “The power of God is present at all places, even in the tiniest tree leaf.” Experiences in meeting the Divine while in nature is part of many people’s faith journeys.
In an unexpected opportunity when we sadly closed our sanctuary for worship because of COVID protocols, our congregation began weekly worship for 6 straight months on our beautiful Meadow. We gathered on the Meadow on hot humid Summer days as the sun beat down, and on the Fall days when the sun peeked through the vibrant palette of colorful leaves and on the Winter grey days as the barren trees projected shadows over us. Our Christmas Eve service was held on the parking lot as we looked over the glistening, snow-covered Meadow. We prayed together, feeling the power of God present in that space. Throughout it all, parishioners remarked that they felt closer to God in ways they hadn’t before. Some noted that the Meadow had become for them God’s cathedral, a place of reverence and awe.
For me when I’m outside there is a sense that God knows me and I know God. In nature, my relationship with the Divine is deepened and fortified for the journey ahead and to face the sadness of my past.
The weeks, and even months ahead, may be filled with more challenges than we know. Perhaps some quiet time outside can sooth our weary souls. May you be blessed with time to see “the trees rejoice” in God, to experience the presence of God in the tiniest leaves, and to be still to feel God’s love in your soul.
