As I walked through the forest yesterday after a year’s absence I was struck with a series of impressions. My senses recorded something that was and is overwhelming, breathtaking, amazing, astounding, awe-inspiring, splendid, grand, tremendous, and humbling. How can I describe the indescribable, especially to one who has never experienced the smell of the sun warming the dust on the soft ferns nestled up to the base of an ageless redwood? Are there words to capture the stillness that overwhelms the sounds of children enjoying themselves in anticipation of playing in the river just around the bend? Is there an imagination that links up with the cold, crisp, refreshing stream bumping down a bed of smooth river-rocks?
I gather my senses together and I realized that the experience was just awesome. There are few words that say as much and describe as little as this one. There is so much that I wish I could express on paper that would begin to give you a sense of what it is like. The soft cushion of a bed of clover, the gentle bath of light that covers everyone for brief moments as the sun penetrates the unending canopy, and the contrasting beauty of the wide yet shallow river that glides through the forest on its quest to find the ocean.
As I reflect in the morning sun of the beauty all around that the peace is overwhelming. In too many ways I want to keep it all to myself, but I cannot. There is much wisdom and sweetness to be discovered, consumed, and shared. If I am smart I will follow the advice of the ages.
“You’ll treasure its (wisdom) sweetness deep within; you’ll give it bold expression in your speech.” (Proverbs 22.18, 19)
There is wisdom all around us. People, relationships, nature, all parts of God’s handiwork are available to teach us and give us experience. Treasure what comes – God is reaching out to each in the middle of chaos, challenges, and difficulties. Enjoy the present; give away the good you have, God will refill you endlessly.
