Psalm 148: 7-10 (NIV)
Praise the Lord from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
Lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
Stormy winds that do his bidding,
You mountains and all hills,
Fruit trees and all cedars,
Wild animals and all cattle,
Small creatures and flying birds.
I have always loved to go camping and backpacking and spend time in nature. The experience is so much quieter and calmer, but after spending time in nature we sometimes notice a new range of sounds. There is nothing better than falling asleep to the sound of crickets or frogs, for example. Camping in the Canadian wilderness as a child, we would often hear a beaver slap his tail in the water first thing in the morning, and nights at the lake in Alexandria were always made more special if we heard the call of loons at sunset.
Among the great things about living in northeast Ohio is our proximity to a range of great parks and biking trails. One of my personal favorites is to hike through Cuyahoga Valley National Park to Brandywine Falls. Rushing water can be so calming and meditative and beautiful.
Getting away from the noises of the city can reintroduce us to the beautiful sounds of nature. But we don't have to escape to the wilderness to hear the sounds of nature. Like the Psalmist, I find late summer thunderstorms to be a thrilling display of nature's raw power. The sound of my dog barking (or snoring) can also make me smile.
All those sounds of nature are joyful to me for their connotations and memories, but they can also be heard as a chorus of praise. What other sounds of nature reveal the beauty and power of God's creation to you?
birds chirping first thing in the morning on a gorgeous summer day
ReplyDeleteThe wind was so strong in the trees outside my home tonight. It bordered on scary tonight but can also be calming to hear a light breeze rustle fall leaves.
ReplyDeleteOn a quiet fall morning, the sound of owls calling back forth in the woods.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I find the distant whistle of a train somehow interesting
Greetings! I used to walk six miles every morning--quite early! There is something magical when dawn occurs--the gentle breeze through the leaves that signals another day is beginning. It is also the time I did most of my praying. When I would start my walks, the stars would be overhead, and by the time I returned home, the sun would be shining. Great way to connect with nature!
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