There is something about being outdoors that always brings me closer to Jesus (although you may not qualify the place I’m sitting as “outdoors”). I grew up a country boy but now I live smack dab in the middle of one of the top 5 most densely populated cities in the U.S. Cambridge, Massachusetts has over one hundred thousand people crammed into an area about 6 square miles in size. Situated directly over the Charles River from downtown Boston, I live almost equidistantly between Harvard University and MIT. It’s always busy. So busy in fact that I don’t even like to get in my car because it takes an average of 15-20 minutes to drive one mile. I usually walk, take the T (subway) or bus, or ride my bike.
Today is Father’s Day. I’m sitting in one of the few large green spaces near my home. It’s sandwiched between two large office complexes. It is a beautiful well-manicured lawn on a not-too-busy street in the city. As I close my eyes and listen to the wind, hear the birds chirping, and hear the occasional car drive by I could almost be back on the country road where I grew up (with the exception of the loud siren that just went by and the constant drone of the generators).
There is something in the gentle wind and the sounds and feel of creation that draws me to Him. I usually feel that way when I’m outdoors…and paying attention. As I sensed God’s presence, I put down the Ted Haggard book I was reading (yes I said Ted Haggard) to enjoy Him – the One whom I live for, seek, preach for, and pray to – just to experience Him and love Him.
Why don’t you stop what you are doing and enjoy the Holy Spirit today; in whatever way helps you to do that. Enjoy the one who created you and loves you beyond compare. Take some time to just listen and feel His presence and His peace. You won’t be disappointed.
I think I would like to do this every Sunday!
