At the start of the lockdown period, Joey and I went for many walks in the woods - one a day, of course. Once we were allowed to drive to exercise we started walking elsewhere. But recently, we decided to return to the woods and I was shocked at how much it has changed in a few short weeks.
Where before there were no leaves and only a few shoots, now there are luscious canopies of leaves that allow the sunshine to filter through and make the path seem more magical somehow. The smell of wild garlic fills the air, and there are woodland flowers popping up all over the place. It’s beautiful, and it feels miraculous.
Over the past few months, I’ve found myself paying attention to the seasons change like I never have before. I’m not sure whether this is because I’ve not had as many things to distract myself with, or whether it’s because going for a walk outside has taken on a whole new meaning this year - but whatever the reason for it is, I’m grateful.
Whilst humanity has been in turmoil, the natural world has quietly continued. Each seed has spouted, leaves unfurled, flowers bloomed. Quietly, unnoticed - and yet beautiful.
I have always felt most connected to the Creator whilst immersed in His Creation, but I love that lockdown has opened my eyes to this even more. I marvel at how wonderful nature is and how it all works together in perfect harmony and it helps me to be at peace.
This reflection has reminded me of some verses in Matthew 6 which read:
“But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Even whilst the world has been ‘shut down’, the world has been growing. God has clothed the grass of the field, He has provided for the natural world that He has created and how much more will He provide for us? How much more has He already been providing for us during this time? Even if it’s just little moments, little blessings - for me, it’s been seeing Him and His promises reflected in the natural world that I encounter on my daily walks. Nothing can stop the wonderful, beautiful, quiet power of God which is so wonderfully reflected in the natural world, and today I thank Him for the amazing blessing and provision of that during this time.
Abbie