A Softly Screaming Delight

To be honest, I was incredibly excited when I saw this blog assignment. I love few things more than contemplative times of isolation, especially when it involves being outside among trees and birds. Strolling through the woods is always a delight, but I'm never quiet or intentional; I'm usually out there for a time of relief and comfort. I look, but my thoughts do not dwell on the world around me. I am typically far away in thought. However, after being challenged by Annie Dillard's thoughts on seeing and allowing ourselves to become almost transformed by the world we perceive, I took a more intentional walk. This time I was determined to do more than look and meditate on my troubles and pressing thoughts. I was going to think on the things I saw out under those limbs and soft birdsongs.

I've always loved trees. So naturally, I went and walked through the woods. I desired something very simple, in my prayers with the Lord: allow me to see you in the midst of this. As I was walking, I discovered something that I had never really noticed before. My mind is often cluttered with thoughts, and so when I was there in the woods with my thoughts engaged on the world at my fingertips I started to see what I had previously glazed right over. My eyes would only perceive the beauty of the woods and my ears only the pleasant sounds of the winds or the birds. But as I looked closer, I began to see the imperfections that were just as real as the beauty. Dead, black trees stuck out of the ground like rusty nail heads. An engine rumbled lowly in the distance. But they existed just as truly as the pretty trees or the nicer sounds. Even this, O Lord, has been created for you and your glory. Ignoring the imperfections may seem desirable, but they exist for a reason. God has made them just like he has made the things that I enjoy more. How much more is this true of friends, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, roommates, who are all made in the image of God? Seeing the world is a convicting practice. But God be glorified, let us look at this world for what it really is, loving the Creator and thanking him for his good blessings.