Something About Nature — Sincerely, Kindred

WORDS // KATEY LEE

There’s just something about nature, isn’t there? I’m not sure if there is anything I enjoy more than being surrounded by mountains and lakes and rivers and rocks and trees and dirt and moss. I know I’m not alone in this sentiment; vistas and scenic spots are sought and visited by people in all corners of the globe. Just the fact that we have national parks tells us something about how much we value these beautiful places, not only because they’re pretty, but because we want to preserve and enjoy them for generations to come.

So why do these places seem to stir something deep within us? What is it that draws us to them again and again? I think that there is a unique connection to our Creator that can be felt in the midst of His creation. I feel an unmatched sense of peace and belonging when I am in nature. I look at the massive rock faces in Yosemite or stand in the shadow of the towering sequoias or peer over the edge of the vast Grand Canyon or sit and admire the view from Angel’s Landing in Zion and I feel at once both overwhelmingly small and insignificant, yet somehow empowered and free.

We all know that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) and we also know that he created us (mankind) in His own image (Genesis 1:27). So it makes sense, then, that mankind and mountains (or any form of nature), both as God’s creations, would have a special connection. In Psalms, it says this:

“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” - Psalm 95:4-5

The earth and mountains and sea didn’t just passively appear, God made them and formed them with His own hands. He took special care to create them. I think that he made them not only to proclaim His glory and showcase his ultimate artistry (seriously, have you ever seen anything more beautiful than a sunset over the ocean?), but He also made them as a place for us to feel His presence in a very unique, intimate way.

So next time you’re feeling distant from God, take a moment to find some nature and seek God in His creation. Whether that means a day trip to Joshua Tree, a walk in your local park, or even watching a ladybug on a leaf outside your apartment; He put it there for you. Bask in it, soak in His glory, and let it move you to praise Him, just like it says in Psalm 96:11-12:

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.”

PHOTOS // KATEY LEE
LETTERING // SAM ELIAS