Jenny and I took a break this weekend to go camping with friends from IBC. I debated whether we could afford the time required to pack and then spend a whole weekend away. One look in the Pit of Despair would explain my hesitation, and another look at our CARES calendar would make it even clearer. But we’d committed to the trip back in September and agreed to help organize it, so we went. And we’re so glad we did. Once we arrived at Tyler State Park, set up the tent, and had dinner, the stress began to drain away slowly. We took a walk around the lake and then pedalboated around it. We looked at the stars by night and watched the autumn leaves fall by day. We talked and sang around the campfire, getting to know our friends in a deeper level than is possible in 90 minutes of class on Sunday evening. I ate way, way, way too many smores, not to mention the marshmallows. Yes, the apartment still needed work, and the garage needed work, and we had events to plan, but we let them go for a time and simply…were.

I often feel closer to God when I’m out in nature. Even though God has some role in the creation of everything, walking through the woods and seeing the beauty of what he has made touches my soul in ways that walking through a building or suburban neighborhood cannot. Sometime this week, I encourage you to take a break outside somewhere. Even if you can’t go camping somewhere beautiful, you can take a walk outside. Admire the fall colors and falling leaves. Feel the crispness of the air. Talk to the God that made you and the beauty of the world and tell him how good it is. I guarantee you’ll feel better.