Once when I was sitting on a bench in a nearby park I met a young man from Bosnia. He was accompanying his two nephews who were playing nearby. He had immigrated after the Bosnian war and spoke very clear English.

He told me that, though the park wasn’t really like his home, it reminded him of home and he enjoyed coming there frequently. He showed me pictures on his phone of Bosnia, of beautiful forests and a waterfall. This young man had escaped from some great horrors that had happened to his own family. Visiting the park seemed to help him. He had a buoyant spirit.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1&2).

When God created the earth he pronounced it “very good!” (Genesis 1:3), and from then on, men and women have recognized “goodness” in the natural environment. When we receive a restorative spirit, a movement toward goodness or joy in nature, however dimly , we are in touch with the Creator of that nature, the reality of goodness: “ He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:4).

Believers and unbelievers both experience the restorative quality of nature. It is a powerful reality. Some have stopped short of recognizing the Creator and have worshiped His creation. Nevertheless, for those who know the Creator, nature becomes one of the great evidences of His presence and His healing and restorative character.

“Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28-30). As nature was declared good, and we experience good from it, we participate in the very character of God when we receive the restoration nature affords. That goodness we experience catching a breeze on a hot day, the sweet smell of fresh air, the sight of hills and trees and water, birds and animals, extends to us the timelessness of God. We experience a glimpse of eternity that both restores our souls and gives us rest. Jesus reminds us that it is his work toward that end. During Lent, allow the fresh air to speak of Him.

Love in Him,

Prue