Nature

I finally understand. I get what all the hype is about.

See, I've never been a nature person. I've always hated eating outside- the wind the bugs- so not fun. I've just never been into being outside. I appreciate modern science and the gift of the controlled environment.

Something changed last week while I was in LA. I suddenly wanted to get away. Get outside. All I could think about was getting to the beach and just enjoying being outdoors. 

When I got home I told Dalene about this new found urge to go outside... and she jumped on the chance to take me hiking in Sunol. It was SO fun! We walked and climbed and took millions of pictures. It was amazing. 

The sky was so blue and the hills so green... It was like seeing the world anew... a rebirth, if you will. Suddenly I saw God in the hills, in the sky  and in the perfect curve of a branch. I've been able to appreciate the beauty of the colors and shapes found in nature, but never before have I seen God in them. Being outside in the sunshine is having Gods arms wrapped around me. Amazing.

After our hike, Dalene and I went to Venture where Jack shared about getting caught in a snowstorm while on a 50 mile hike alone in Utah. Intense. At the end of the second night of snow he looked up into the dark of the very early morning and saw a lone star. A morning star.

Morning Star. Exactly.

What he shared about the relief and the joy in seeing that star that morning really resonated with me. I've been in a dark place these last several weeks and I'm coming out of it... and finding nature- seeing God there- is my Morning Star. 

It's important to note that Jesus is called Morning Star in the Bible. ("I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." Revelation 22:16)

To be new is exquisite.