I don’t know about you, but I feel like this has been the longest winter/spring of my life…cold, gloomy, rainy. I’m ready for hot, sunny, and dry. I love the summer. It gives me an opportunity to switch gears mentally. It allows me to be outside, soaking up all of what God has created. In his book, Sacred Pathways, Gary Thomas suggests that each of us has a specific “pathway” that draws us closer to God. He lists nine distinct spiritual temperaments in which most of us fall. He contends that when we know our spiritual temperament, or pathway, it will lead to greater spiritual growth and fulfillment. Some people feel a deeper connection with God through singing and celebration. For some, they grow closer to God through intense study of His Word. Some people grow by caring for the needs of others…by simply serving.
For me, I feel the greatest connection with God when I’m outdoors. When I’m sitting at the base of a waterfall, watching an endless supply of water spill over the rocks, I’m reminded of God’s endless mercy and grace. It’s refreshing to me. When I’m backpacking through the woods, and the noise of the highway, cell phones, and the TV are nowhere to be heard, it allows me to tune into God’s voice. When I’m sitting in a deer stand just watching nature do its thing, it gives me the opportunity to pray for hours, completely uninterrupted (and so far, I’ve not been interrupted by the deer either). I feel like Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire who said, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.” That’s how I feel when I’m outside. What about you? When do you feel the pleasure of God? In what setting are you most likely to be completely absorbed by God’s presence? Read the book. Figure it out and create opportunities to be in those situations where you can foster your spiritual growth. Few things are more important.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve picked up certain hobbies to intentionally put myself in an environment that would deepen my connection with God…hobbies like backpacking, biking, hunting, etc. This past November was my 4th season deer hunting. I’ve yet to take a deer. And honestly, I don’t really know what I’m doing. But what keeps me going back to the woods are the moments I spend with my creator. To separate myself from the chaos of life for a few days and to sit in the woods by myself thinking about family, about church, and about what God wants to do with me, through me, and in me is priceless. Nothing compares to that. And if I ever have the good fortune of taking a deer, that’s just a bonus.
My only regret is not having more time to do those things. Like you, I’m busy. But rest assured, I’ll be taking advantage of the warmer weather to enjoy the outdoors. If you can’t find me in the office, you might find me on the bike trail or canoeing down the Little Miami River “feeling God’s pleasure.” Maybe I’ll see you on the path!