God’s Presence in Spring
I walk alone on the trail near my home with no iPod, no stopwatch. Just me.
Letting my thoughts go wherever they choose, I let go of the world and practice ‘feeling’.
While my day hasn’t been stressful, there’s a haze that clouds my mind from being cooped up inside taking care of housework and sitting and staring blankly at a screen. It doesn’t take long on the trail for that haze to dissipate.
I understand God is inside of us. Our energy emanates into the world. He’s outside of us too – in the air, in the breeze, in the trees. I feel Him sweep lightly across the bridge of my nose, tickling my eyes – just a touch saying, “I’m here. I’m here.”
The creek runs beside me, faster than I move as I stroll leisurely along enjoying the feel of truly being outside for the first time since fall.
In the distance, I hear a car. It’s too far to interfere with the sounds of nature, almost blending in as part of God’s plan. Perhaps it is.
On a park basketball court, there’s the thump thump of a ball and boys calling out to each other using words they probably wouldn’t at home in front of their mothers. Being boys. Carefree in the spring. I hear God even in the words they choose – their happiness and care for each other. The camaraderie in their tones.
Birds fly everywhere. Robins, a blue jay, others I don’t know. I wish I could tell the differences in their calls. I would try to write the sounds but my words wouldn’t do them justice.
Robin at the Creek
A squirrel skitters across the walk in front of me, pauses in the grass, and then races off and up a tree before I can get too close.
I go deep enough into the trail that I no longer hear the cars. I feel isolated but not alone. God fills me with His presence. I know He’s with me.
A little boy on a scooter passes me, the chug chug of the wheels on the sidewalk adding to my experience. The joy on his face makes me happy.
A siren blares somewhere, I feel sad for whom it’s for. They aren’t on the trail experiencing God. Maybe they think God has abandoned them in their trouble. I say a quick prayer for them that they might know Him right where they are, no matter their situation.
Dogs bark in yards somewhere nearby. I see a bicycle abandoned at the side of the creek, and I imagine its owner is somewhere close by wading in the still cold water, chasing after guppies or tadpoles. I remember all the tadpoles I caught as a child and grin.
Bike at the Creek
I’m thankful to know God’s presence, for the time to remove myself from the distractions of every day life so that I might recognize that He’s with me. I know returning home doesn’t mean I’ll part from Him. I’m never apart from Him; He’s a part of me. But this time spent only with Him has given my spirit refreshment.
Love in Him,
Julie
Angie Lee says
That was so refreshing! I felt like I was walking down that path too, but I was sitting here drinking my coffee enjoying God with you! — I love how you write, Julie!
Julie Pfeifer says
Thank you, Angie! Hope your day is wonderful!