Tonight  after dinner, I turned off the news and took a long walk. I needed to get away from the constant coverage of violence, hatred, shootings and anger which seems to be the news media’s only focus. The incessant focus on negativity and divisiveness has weighed me down like a shroud.

I live in one of the most beautiful spots on this planet and walking in God’s creation was exactly the tonic I needed. There is still a lot of light left this early in July, light which hangs up in the trees like the pale gold rain and falls into elongated shadows alongside the road. Yesterday’s rain washed away the dust and pine pollen. The air felt new, clean and crisp. It refreshed not only my lungs but also my soul.

A robin chirped its evening song. I couldn’t see where he was perched but his cheerful  melody followed me. Then a mourning dove joined in – and duet of birdsong came forth. At first I was just interested in walking and getting a little exercise but a still voice reminded me to pay attention. God’s handiwork is in the mighty and in the small. He is awesome in the cosmos and preciously wonderful in the details alongside mountain roads. The rain brought out every shade of green in the trees and underbrush:   lime and sage and bluish spruce, the golf course as bright as an Irish shamrock. Wild blue asters dotted the sides of the road like clusters of blue stars. The wildflowers had burst forth from the soil with the rain: white daisies, cream colored yarrow, wild pink roses. Tall grasses lined the ditches where rivulets of water puddle and ran down hill. I stopped to pick a dandelion whose seed head is as intricate as lace – and blew its seeds to scatter into the air. The pond was clear as glass, reflecting the trees and sky into itself.  Everywhere I looked, I saw God’s order, His intricate design in every plant and flower and above all the unique artistry of God. How can one not help but praise the Lord? As the psalmist wrote:

O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Psalm 104:24

My walk reminded me that God is nigh to those who seek Him, especially when we bless Him saying, Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord, my God You are very great!Psalm 104:1-2

The world in this exceedingly dark hour cannot take away the blessing of His Presence nor can it destroy the joy and hope He offers to His children. I believe that God still delights to walk with us in the evening time, just as He did in the Garden of Eden. I also believe His heart is most tender toward us when we delightedly point out back to Him the wildflowers, the robin’s calls and every green treasure discovered along the way.