Embracing the Natural World

Most children love being outside. Regardless of the season or the weather, they’re out there! When parents offer the opportunity to play outside, most kids jump at the chance, embracing the wonder of God’s creation with pure joy.

Chirping back at the birds in the trees, digging in mom’s garden to add a new creepy-crawly to the collection, or just laying in the grass watching the clouds roll by. Rain or snow doesn’t stop kids either! Puddles or snow piles provide even more wonder to the overall backyard experience.

The Wonder of Parks and Playgrounds

Then one day, the child reaches the stage where the circle of adventure widens past the backyard and into the local park or playground. Wide open spaces as far as the eye can see, and other children! Loads of new friends to play games with and enjoy the miraculous land of outside!

Then it happens—a child takes their first trip to a national park, nature reserve, or other protected recreation area. Untouched wilderness with more fascination than any child can take in at one time! New trees, new plants, new bugs, and animals…that don’t wear collars!

Seeing the Wonder of God’s Creation Through a Child’s Eyes

It’s at this point where Mom and Dad look at each other and think to themselves, “Oh, to look at the world through their eyes!”

Unfortunately, something strange happens to most of us near adulthood. Somehow, the enjoyment of going outside loses its lustre. All of a sudden, going outside starts to depend on the weather or temperature, or even the ratio of sunlight to clouds.

The Shift to Adulthood

Going outside becomes something we have to do for physical health reasons. We tell ourselves, “I’d better go out and get some exercise. The fresh air will do me good.”

Regardless of our access to transportation and numerous outlets, our childhood thrills of playing outside suddenly have become a chore. Even though most of us greatly appreciate and are in awe of the natural world that God has created, we tend to look at it through the lens of social media.

Rediscovering the Wonder of God’s Creation

But what if not playing outside had greater health risks? What if there are serious spiritual implications of not interacting with the created world on a more regular basis? What if two weeks a year on a beach somewhere isn’t enough?

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”

Romans 1:20, ESV

For those of us who serve in ministry, what if we’re neglecting some vital benefits? What if, by not seeking out God’s creation regularly, we’re missing a piece of who He is?

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”

Psalm 19:1, ESV

Join the Conversation, Share Your Thoughts:

1. How often do you seek out the wonder of God’s creation?
2. What childhood experiences in nature do you remember most fondly?
3. How can we incorporate more outdoor activities into our adult lives?