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Recently my little ones discovered the art of mudpies, wildflower and onion creations and the joy of making Mama a scrumptious salad from the loveliest of weeds and grass in the yard.

It may sound silly to some, but it warmed my heart to see them using their imagination and getting their hands and feet dirty. There is something to be said about being able to ground yourself in nature whether it be a day in the garden, a hike, the beach, a walk around the neighborhood or even just watching the kiddos play in the yard. Winter can do a number on our mental wellbeing so when the sun begins to shine it always helps me re-energize for the season ahead. Can you relate? I don’t think it is a coincidence that we sometimes feel most alive and connected to God while outdoors – Jesus did often through scripture.

In the book of Mark you can find that Jesus prayed in the mountain, spent time in the wilderness, walked along the seashore, walked through a grain field and was baptized in the Jordan River. Being outdoors allows us to witness the miraculous wonders of God and reveals just how minuscule our own problems truly are in comparison. Have you ever taken time to pray or read your Bible outdoors? Against my husband’s wishes, I put out a bird feeder this year so that the kids could see the varieties of birds we have visit our house everyday. Of course they don’t pay as much attention to it like I do, but with every feathered friend comes a reminder of how much our Father loves us.  “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Matthew 6:26. Jesus often used nature as a teaching tool throughout His parables which created a connection His disciples could hold onto even after His death. When you intentionally surround yourself with nature, God can speak.

Imagine just how powerful your prayers could be if you took the time to slow down and spend a moment to delight in God’s creation. Maybe you aren’t making mudpies and yummy flower salads, but witnessing a sunset, a full moon rising, birds singing or a sky full of stars can ground you in a way that you may have been needing for quite some time. God may be asking you to not only pray with your mouth but to open your eyes, ears and nose to His miracles in your own backyard. You may find that whatever you are praying for can begin to feel possible when you are right in the midst of the impossible. As I washed the dirt from my children’s feet and hands I could feel a sense of peace knowing there is an innocence that remains in which the world has not stolen.

There was beauty I had long forgotten, buried in my own childhood, and yet there was a reminder that I am never too far away from that innocence as a child of God myself. I encourage you to get outside – let the sun shine on your face and feel the presence of the Creator. As we celebrate the glorious day of our Savior’s resurrection next week, I hope you are reminded of just how close our Father remains through the soft breeze, birds chirping in the trees, the grass under your feet and the ol’ wooden cross where He sacrificed it all. I pray your healing and miracles come when you stop to smell the flowers and if you are lucky, the mudpies!

“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee. The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Blessings,

Kayla