In the pre-dawn serenity, I unzipped the tent flap and stepped out. With temperatures bracketing the freezing mark, this early morning chill was refreshing. The sky was still a deep, velvety indigo. The sun had just begun to paint a crimson trace on the distant horizon. A delicate mist hung over quietly moving, crystalline waters of the Yukon River. Gently bobbing in the current, a family of loons glided by, fishing in the water.
I breathed the cool, clear northern air.
High overhead distant stars were beginning to fade as traces of morning glow appeared above the trees. Standing there, I perfectly understood the Biblical truth: "The heavens declare the glory of God.." Miles from the throbbing pulse of civilization, I was with my Great Father. Alone on this pebbly beach, except for two sleeping companions, I was able to worship my Lord and Master in a joyful, care free way that would have been all but impossible a week before.
Like many people, my life is often one big race with the clock. Little by little the concerns and rush of this world sweep us along. Somewhere, as the current takes us, we lose the childlike ability to enjoy many things in God's creation. In this goal-oriented, headlong rush to cram just one extra project into the day, an appreciation of our Maker can fade like the last colours of sunset.
Perhaps we miss the chance to worship the Lord for that tiny Twinflower glistening in the morning dew. It doesn't happen quickly; but slowly we realize that the glitter has gone from our Christian experience. It has been happening for months.
In our hyper society, many people feel guilty if they aren't "accomplishing" or "achieving" something – even during vacations or playtime. (I feel this false guilt often.) To enjoy tennis is no longer enough; to win is really what's important. The Bible teaches a far different approach from that which our society demands. In Ecclesiastes 3:1,7 we read:
"For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven…
A time to keep silent,
And a time to speak."
There's a time for you and me to rest. That's why the Lord made a day of rest once a week. As an act of love to us, He didn't just ask for a day of rest, He ordered it. God wants us to have "down" time so we can recharge our internal batteries; so we can reconnect with those around us; so we can regain healthy perspectives on life; and more important, so we can reconnect with Him regularly. Rest is healthy. It's nourishing for both body and soul.
Once in a while, I try to leave all schedules, deadlines and goals behind. It is a time to re-acquaint myself with nature, and I must confess, frequently with God. I have spent hours alone in a canoe paddling in a swamp quietly watching for ducks and beavers. I have been bombarded with threatening swoops by angry Kingfishers intent on keeping me away from their nests. Sometimes I have to shout, "Father, how great thou art!" Our God is magnificently creative!
Recapture the beauty of wildflowers. Get down on your hands and knees to explore the detail of colours from God's paintbrush. Listen for the soft rustle of the northern lights. It's there. Intentionally walk slowly. Try it – it's tough! Try not to accomplish anything once in a while. As you cast off the speed of life, you'll probably find a heightened awareness of the natural beauty God has surrounded us with. You'll also probably find that you once more want to read the Bible. Praise God. We'll all hear His gentle voice clearly whisper, "Be still, and know that I am God."
