Comfort In Creation

God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth.

I’d had a tough day. My head swelled with information and with trying to check everything off my never-ending to-do list. I felt frazzled and at the end of my emotional rope. Then I glanced out the window to see the sun shining.

I decided to take just a ten-minute break and go outside, so I stepped out my back door, intentionally barefoot, down the back steps, past the patio, and onto the green grass. I spent the next several minutes just walking around the yard. As I did, I thought about the young men I’d once counseled at the VA hospital who had severe anxiety. I remembered a common counseling tool we’d teach them to use when they felt overwhelmed: finding a way to ground themselves. We encouraged them to think about where their feet stood and to touch the things around them to remind their bodies of where they were in time and space. It had a way of calming them.

I turned my face toward the sky, taking a deep breath, feeling a light breeze twist through my hair. I wiggled my toes, feeling the blades of grass tickle the bottoms of my feet. My heart rate slowed, my thoughts calmed, and I felt a sliver of peace permeate my brain. I knew I would still have to go back inside and face the rest of my tasks for the day, but taking a few moments outside was just what I needed to make it through.

God created the world and everything that is in it. It’s no wonder that we would be comforted by his creation, by all the things he’s given life to on the earth. We can often more easily experience God’s peace while sitting by a river. Or perhaps he calms us with the sounds of wildlife as we walk through our town or along a path. Sometimes, spending time with God and reflecting on all he has made is just what our souls need.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Spend some time outside, being intentional about noticing your surroundings—all the life right outside your door—and then thank God for his creation.