Look to Nature
David Anderson of Independence, MO, USA
Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. -Doctrine and Covenants 18:2n
I hear and feel God’s presence in nature. As a young Boy Scout hiking in the mountains of Montana, I witnessed the sacredness of creation and the striking beauty and power of nature. The lakes, starry nights, wildlife, flowers, and streams reminded me constantly of something greater than myself. I was often humbled by those wonderful experiences in sensing the Creator.
I look to nature to draw close to God. Regularly, I arise early in the morning to walk outside to feel the presence of the Divine and to listen to nature. My favorite time of the day is that moment in which the earth seems to inhale-when the first bird begins to sing!
On a rather mundane morning, I was not out listening to nature. Instead, I was just driving home from the gym at daybreak. Unexpectedly, I slammed on my brakes. A large buck was crossing the street. He was beautiful-majestic. He didn’t seem to be in a hurry or threatened by me. Suddenly our eyes met. As silly as it seemed, he appeared to nod with an expression of “good morning!” I nodded back. It was a God moment for me. At that moment, on an ordinary drive home from the gym, two of God’s creatures-a human and a deer-acknowledged each other. God was there at that sacred instant.
Prayer Phrase
In God, I live and move and have my being.
Spiritual Practice
Breathing in the Spaces
When you move into different spaces throughout your day, consciously place yourself in the new setting with a desire to be alert to God’s presence. Over time, simply taking a deliberate breath will remind you that you are in God’s presence and that you want to be alert to God’s purposes in that setting. When entering the different spaces in your day (workplace, a colleague’s office, a restaurant or place of business, school or places where people meet) pause and take a deliberate breath. When returning home, pause to take a breath. As you take a deep breath, breathe in the goodness of the profound presence and purposes of God in each place you find yourself. Allow yourself to be drawn to people who may be blessed in simple ways by you being aware of them as persons of worth. -adapted from missionalleaders.org
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
