I Took a Stroll Outside

Ever disconnected from your task-driven life through nature?

A popular personality assessment, the Enneagram, pegged me an achiever – a #3. So, it’s very hard for me to just walk away from my work and do something that is not connected to a goal…like taking a stroll for no good reason.

Yet, when I do walk away for a moment, I feel a sense of peace and serenity that is hard to describe. Maybe you can relate to this idea of connecting to God in nature.

Your personality may also make it hard for you to break out and do something new or challenging. Maybe you are learning, like me, to release the thing you lean on for steadiness. You may also be someone who loves the outdoors and can appreciate its beauty. As St. Augustine said, “Nature is God’s second book,” and I hope you take time to find joy and beauty in His nature.

I took a stroll outside

I dropped the plans I held that day

For no good reason chose

To take a stroll not far away

Down the long straight street beyond

Our cookie cutter homes all gray

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To a world with giant pines in open yards

Where springlike buds and grasses bloom

Where flowers shine and others plum

A vista spread like none before

Like walking through a magic door

~

Weeds and limbs and seeds and grass

Soft spring breeze and sunlight rays

Smells arise like sweet perfume

All to set my soul ablaze

I felt a lift as though on air

‘Where have I been’ I do declare!

~

Beauty here and beauty there!

Quiet breeze serenely shared

Smallish plants that look so bright

Nature sways within my sight

~

I see much more! I am aware!

Since trusting You, I’m not ensnared

To goals and ends I can’t control

To better ends, where you unfold

A sweeter walk where heart can rest

And leave my goals at Thy behest.

Questions to Contemplate

When would you like to take a walk (not for exercise) and just enjoy God's nature?

Would you consider letting God intersect your day-to-day routine?

Are you able to remove yourself from your office life for a few minutes, knowing the work will be there when you’re back?