Nature Speaks

 

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. ~John 3:8

A Bird, came down the Walk -He did not know I saw  – a nursery rhyme from my childhood. I thought of it the other day when I read an April nature study calendar from the homeschool site Wonder-Filled Days. The site offers a nature calendar for each month with ideas for children to explore learning outside. I love teaching anything and everything in conjunction with nature.

Another of Emily Dickinson's poems says The North Wind doth blow and we shall have snow. Our Aprils tend to be about as windy as March so that too is another spring occurrence that sometimes does bring a few flakes of snow. The day that stood out to me most said, “How many ways can you see the wind?” Just looking out the window I can see the wind moving the trees. When I go out my noticings become ever increasing.

• Leaves blowing across the yard
• Children’s kites in the sky
• Clouds moving, changing shapes
• Clothes on the line
• Children blowing dandelions

Now a verse comes to mind, John 3:8, Jesus telling Nicodemus that “the wind bloweth where it listeth.” Jesus alludes to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit goes where it wants. We can’t see it but we can see the things it does. Scripture also tells us to teach our children all day, every day about the Lord (Deut. 6:7). Oh, the joy, outside every day, regardless of the weather, noticing, talking, and exploring together. Oh, the things they will learn, the things we will learn.

It occurs to me that a nature calendar might not be a bad idea for me as a writer, a teacher, and as a "journaler". Journaling from a nature calendar and a nature walk daily, regardless of the weather, noticing, exploring, sketching, writing, and doodling just might kick my life up a notch, especially if I end with an applicable verse of scripture that the Holy Spirit has brought my way.

What do you think? Want to go for a walk?

Father, help me be mindful of You as I enjoy Your creation. In the midst of my hurried life, help me slow down and let your Holy Spirit speak to me that I might not miss the blessings You have ever put before me. In Praise of You, Lord Jesus, Creator of the Universe. Amen. 

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