A Walk in the Beauty of Nature Keeps Us Grateful and Joyful

I had back surgery on November 24, and yesterday, the staples were removed. The doctor advised me to take small walks; just don’t overdo it. In two weeks, I can return to the gym, but what I have missed is walking on the hiking trails near my home. I want to hear birds sing and the squirrels romp from tree to tree.

There is a peace in nature that makes life beautiful to the soul. Trees of every variety live harmoniously together, doing what God created them to do by cleaning the air for us. It is a reminder that the perception that we are different because of race, gender, or social class shouldn’t prevent us from living together in harmony and acceptance.

Nature reminds me also of the Lord God, our Creator and Provider, in whom I trust to see and hear me when I thank my wondrous Savior for the beauty of all the colors, trees, birds, and other human beings who pass me and speak words of greeting. I am grateful for every smile shared, for I know that my humanity has been seen and acknowledged, and that my value and worth have been recognized.

I look forward to going to the gym in two weeks, because I miss the people there who always make me feel special with their warm greetings, and I will have more physical therapy to learn how to move during activities so I don’t hurt my back again. But I have already asked my husband this morning to take me to the trail. If I can only walk for 15 minutes, it will be enough of a start back to feeling myself and feeling human again.

There is no substitute for a walk in nature for helping us regain our hope, perspective, and the feeling that we are one with the universe and every creature and living thing with whom we share this wonderful planet. Nature is the greatest witness that there is a force in the world that created us all to live in peace and joy.