With Mark Mackay
I’ve just returned from an extended time of Long Service Leave and have had a wonderful time of rest and rejuvenation.
One of the things that I enjoyed most about my time off was the time I was able to spend in the bush. I did a 2-day hike in the Lamington National Park, spent some time in Stanthorpe and walked in the Girraween National Park and also had the opportunity to go Hobart and see some of the country around that city. We live in an extraordinarily beautiful country – Australia is magnificent!
Spending time in nature, detaching from our phones and social media, carving out time as individuals or households or friends to walk and talk is good for our bodies and souls. There is something rejuvenating about the country air, listening to the sounds and rhythms of nature, being in awe of Creation.
A friend of mine likes to ocean kayak. While a big part of it is the exercise element, what he really enjoys is paddling some way offshore and then sitting in the kayak among the waves and the tides. In his words, “It makes me feel small and yet part of something bigger.” What an extraordinary thing!
In the Bible, the Psalmist often looks at nature and finds inspiration such as, “For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” (Psalm 108:4).
Let me encourage you to carve out some time to spend in nature: look around, soak it in, be inspired, be rejuvenated. Perhaps even consider the One who created it all.
We are blessed to live in a beautiful country!
Photo by Matthew McBrayer, Unsplash
