It had been a long day.
My husband Seth and I were both tired, after overfilled schedules and too much work to do in too little time. The sun set outside on a perfect fall evening, but we both found ourselves trapped inside, wrapping up our tasks for the day.
But then I noticed our sweet dog Georgia, lying in the middle of the carpet with her head between her paws. She looked lonely.
I sighed. “You know, maybe it wouldn’t hurt for us to both get outside and take a walk. I think Georgia could use it, too.”
Seth glanced out the window. “You’re probably right. Let’s do it.”
Supper was in the oven for only thirty more minutes, so we didn’t have much time. We had to get out, get our walk in, and get back before our food burnt to a crisp.
But it was so worth it. We talked, we moved our bodies, we enjoyed the crisp fall air. And Georgia couldn’t stop wagging her tail—she probably loved it most of all.
We turned the corner on the walking path beside our apartment, which goes right by the woods. And we were in for a surprise.
Four deer—two buck, and two doe—grazed in the grass right in front of us. They looked up when we passed, and they seemed especially aware of Georgia. But they didn’t run.
We were among the deer.
God surprised us with a beautiful, peaceful picture of His nature.
And we would’ve missed it if we’d stayed inside.
Similar things have happened many times on that path. We’ll go out for a walk, out of a sense of obligation or because Georgia needs some exercise, and we’ll find ourselves amidst God’s creation. Sometimes it’s a fox. Sometimes it’s a herd of deer. Sometimes it’s the cats that live in the woods behind our apartment (you can read more about them here).
But every time, it is so good. Refreshing, peaceful, and exactly what we need in that moment.
I’ve always loved Paul’s words in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
I want to surround myself with what God has made—the animals, the people, the mountains, the rivers, the trees.
I want to live amidst His creative works.
Because sometimes, joining with creation is exactly what we need to remind us of His presence.
And so today, if you’re tired or overwhelmed or too busy, take a walk. Get outside. Be thankful for the beauty God has created all around. Find a way to place yourself among the deer.
And never forget… you are onederfully created by the Creator of all.
Love,
Becca
