We move at speeds never previously imagined: jet planes, internet connections, and 0 to 60 in increasingly tiny fractions of seconds. We get a roller-coaster, sky-diving adrenaline rush from the speed. We look back at the facts that crossing the Atlantic used to take weeks to cross and that our best form of communication was letter writing and we scoff. How archaic. We are always thinking of the next innovation to improve our efficiency and our speed. We rarely think about what we may have lost in the rush.
When you immerse yourself in the natural world, leaving behind the noise and bustle of the modern world, you come to a realization: nature has not sped up its course. It still moves at its constant, easy pace. We forget that life goes on like that. We forget to breathe and walk easy.
The wilderness, that which is removed from all of us, has a tremendous collection of landscapes to offer us. God’s glory is made manifest in many things, but rarely have I seen it as clearly as I do in the woods. In the wilderness, one can look up and witness the majesty of the perseid meteor shower on a warm, clear night. One can step barefoot into a creek of smooth stones and dazzling glints of reflected golden sun. One can scrape hand and foot by climbing a tree, exerting a force of will over the force of gravity. One can get lost and remember that humanity was once able to survive without a GPS. One can be still and experience life and Creation all around.
I once saw a picture on the Internet that put forward a hypothetical offer. The deal was you had to live in an isolated cabin in the woods for a month with no access to technology or contact with the outside world at all. In exchange, you would receive a million dollars. This baffled me because it made me realize that there are people in the world who would need the incentive to go live a life like this. I would do it for free; tell me when and where and I am there.
Some people fear the outdoors. They say they don’t like bugs and that they are allergic to everything in the animal and plant kingdoms and that they don’t like getting dirty. While these things might be true and valid reasons, I would still say the benefits outweigh the costs. What you gain the moment you step into the quiet tranquility of the wilderness is much more than most believe. You eliminate barriers between yourself and the way the Creator brought things to be.
As a camp counselor, I have seen the benefit of living a life outside. I have seen kids be challenged by the experience and grow through that challenge. I have seen them thrive given the chance to have a break from a life of rushing and talking and being constantly connected to one another. This benefit is not only for children. If you feel like you are drowning, lost in a sea of work and relationships and stress, step outside. Discover that God’s Creation is much more vast than we give it credit for. Breathe in the scent of mossy earth and remember that life is much more beautiful and intricate than it often appears.
Even if it is just for the briefest moment, get outside today.
