quiet moment
On a recent trip to Minnesota, I spent a beautiful day at the 1,200-acre public Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
It was amazing.
I walked over eight miles that day, enjoying every spot along the paved walking path. They have cultivated so many special gardens: a Chinese garden, a sculpture garden, an oak grove, a maple grove, fruit trees and herb gardens and wildflowers.
I especially enjoyed the quiet Japanese Garden. A small entrance gate opened to a beautiful scene: a waterfall flowing into a koi fish pond, meticulously trimmed bonsai trees, and a garden viewing house. Each part was designed with intention, calling forth a sense of peace.
An explanation of the rock path leading to the pond included this:
Rough stones in the path by the water’s edge inspire visitors to slow down, check their footing, then lift their eyes each time to a different view.
And that’s exactly what I involuntarily did as I walked across. Each step presented a decision for sure-footing, after which I’d stop and look out over the view before determining the next step. It was a slow, quiet process.
What makes you slow down and find quiet peace?
One of the things I love most about God’s creation is the way it moves in rhythm, much like the Japanese garden. If we study His very intentional design, we find a steady, easy tempo and well-established balance.
We cannot change nature’s pace. I can do nothing to make tomatoes on a vine ripen more speedily, rocky ground wear more rapidly, shade trees broaden more hastily.
Nature’s rhythm is its own.
Constant and unwavering.
Concrete and buildings and all manner of man-made inventions eventually break down or become obsolete. But the oak continues to grow in sturdiness. The ocean tide persists in ebbing and flowing. The mountain peak stands firmly immoveable.
What can this teach us about our own lives? When we feel overly-busy, rushed or anxious we can look to God’s work in nature and once again find that steady rhythm.
We can be still and know that He is God (Ps. 46:10).
We can trust that Christ is before all things and in Him all things hold together (Col. 1:17).
Take a deep-breath moment.
Choose your sure-footing.
Take in a new view.
Maybe you’ll discover a fresh, calm rhythm for your life.
A sense of peace.
And quiet for your soul.
Today is a GOOD day!
~Natalie