It was an early Saturday morning here in New England. My husband and I walked together with our oldest son, Jacob. The air was cool and crisp, making our noses pink and our cheeks tingle. The drying leaves beneath our feet, the ferns, the woods, filled the air with perfume, with the scent you can only enjoy at this time of year. The rushing forest stream, pouring down over the rocks, gave off it’s own coolness, and the sound of it was loud and full. Sunshine was cutting through the trees in beams, wherever it could, adding a bright yellowness to the pictures around us.
Why is it that such beauty so often fills my eyes with tears? God seems so near to me here, even though I know He is everywhere. His blessings are all around me.
C.S. Lewis says it so well, “This sweet air whispers of the country from whence it blows. It is a message. We know we are being touched by a finger of that right hand at which there are pleasures forevermore.”
So, nature reminds me of my Creator, but it also makes me long for the future, for Heaven itself. The beauty I see here on earth, is only a taste of what is to come. I notice a sense of longing in myself, a magnetic pull of God drawing me close. Each day I’m nearer than I was the day before. I get that same sense when I read my Bible, as well, the Word of God grabs at my heart and pulls. . . . .and the result is contentment, joy, peace, trust, love, thankfulness, worship, and more.
Psalm 16:11 says,
“Thou wilt show me the path of life:
in Thy presence is fullness of joy;
at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”
If that verse doesn’t make you smile and your heart sing, I don’t know what will!
Find a way to enjoy God today, is really what I’m trying to say.
Good to be Home 
That’s great. The new heavens and new earth are going to be incredible. My body longs for that final redemption–no more sin or sorrow–just joy, peace and wholeness. It’s going to be amazing. I love that we get a glimpse now. 🙂
AMEN!! (we’ll just leave it at that)
Beautiful.
How beautiful
thanks for encouraging me. my morning has been hectic and my time with God was not happening but it’s exactly what i need. the above verse does make my heart sing and smile… i’m off to hear more from HIM.
What beautiful pictures. Very well said to! Thanks for a encouraging post!
Beautiful!
Thank you for introducing me to David Nevue’s music. It is so calming. I’ve also heard the George Winston Kanon variation that I’ve went online today and found free sheet music to the Canon, I’m going to learn to play it. Page one is good, then it gets hairy. LOL Hope you have a wonderful day!!! Suz
This was so beautiful, Shanda . . . your words, your pictures, the thoughts you evoked within all of us . . .
Amen!
Beautiful verse and pictures! I too long for heaven and all that my Creator has in store. Somedays I can hardly wait to get there! We woke up to our first snow this morning.
Lovely love! I also long for heaven. Another day nearly! Another day dearer He is to me.
Very nice, Shan. Well said and the pictures are lovely.
Wow…. beautiful.
I enjoyed creation on a little drive on Sunday afternoon–looking for the beauty. The things that make me laugh, things that took my breath away, things that make me just stand in awe. Our Lord is so great!
With such fantastic beauty, it IS a thrill to know that this is just a hint of what is yet to come! I loved reading that all was made well with you and your hubby before he left for his trip. “It is well with my soul” is such a comforting place to be in. And we only know the earthly version of that! I, too feel a pull and an urgency to be in Heaven, especially when I’m by the ocean. I truly hope that THAT is where I am when the Lord takes me home!
The area you live in just seems so peaceful and relaxing. It is such a delight to come visit your page and see your beautiful pictures and read you’re wonderful thoughts.
Love that verse.
Wow, with such beauty down here, just imagine what heaven will be like! Thank you for reminding us of that…I always love your nature pictures, I think especially the ones from the woods.