Of Rocks and Trees
When life get a little rocky, I like to spend time among rocks and trees. There’s something about walking in the woods over rocks, roots, and pine needles that calms my worried, weary heart and soothes my soul. Today, as my husband and I hiked along wooded trails past waterfalls in northern Minnesota, words to hymns like “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and “This is My Father’s World” repeated themselves in my mind.
In looking up the lyrics to share with you here, I read that “This is My Father’s World” was written originally as a poem by Maltbie Davenport Babcock, a minister in upstate New York. Apparently he too liked to go on long walks and would often announce on his way out the door, “I’m going out to see my Father’s world.”
This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas
His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!
Spending any time outdoors this summer? May your heart be gladdened and refreshed as well.
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Thanks for reminding us of that beautiful old hymn. Being in nature always refreshes my soul.
I’m not a huge nature girl, but there are two things that stir in me a recognition of the majesty of God and ignite a deep place of worship (often, like you, with the words of old hymns): the ocean and very tall trees. Just got back from a tall trees place and hope to make it to the ocean soon! 🙂
The lyrics of that hymn are beautiful! Like you, I love to get out for a hike. It truly is calming to be surrounded by God’s creation.
Just got back from Yellowstone, The Tetons, Mt. Rushmore so those words were very fitting.
I love the hymns, Julie. I’m singing along with you. 🙂 I, too, love to get out and hike along riverbeds with lots of rocks to climb on. There is something about being in nature that stirs the soul and directs one’s thoughts toward the Creator. Unfortunately, nature in West Texas is not as awe-inspiring as mountain trails or forested paths. Sigh. But, when I do make it to a place like that, I appreciate it all the more for its rarity.
I know that hymn by heart, even though it has been 60 years since I learned it in VBS.
This truly is “Our Father’s World” shaped by His hand and His alone.
I love being outdoors. The heat and high heat index for the past week has kept me indoors. This evening, the air is nice enough and temps are nice so hubby and I were able to take a walk in the neighborhood. Coastal South Carolina is full of beauty from God. Between the alligators( not so pretty), the bobcats, the deer and more, we are continually blessed by God’s creations.
Thanks for sharing your experience and photos! I don’t do much walking, because of arthritic knees, but I love to down country roads and see God’s beautiful world all around me. BTW, I finished reading The Ladies of Ivy Cottage last week, and I loved it!
Oops! That should say “drive down country roads.”
Nature provides us with so many examples of God’s awesome power and beauty. We’ve been fortunate to drive across country twice – in 2009 and last summer. There are so many sights I could mention because our nation is so different, but one that filled me with awe, took my breath away, was the Grand Canyon. I had seen it as a 10 year old and was reminded of just how majestic it is. I cannot emphasize enough that this is a sight everyone should see.
Love the hymn, also, Julie.
I loved reading your post and I also love the songs you mentioned. I will be spending some of my summer out doors. Walking, swimming, and hanging out with family and friends.