All Nature Sings

by | Oct 7, 2002 | Opinion

This is an excellent season to get out and enjoy the beauty of the “rocks and the trees.” Here are some activities that could get you and your family out to enjoy the “beauty of the earth” this autumn:

The psalmist knew this when he wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Ps 19:1). Isaiah witnessed the praise of the seraphs who sang, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isa 6:3).

One of our popular hymns is based on a poem by Malthie D. Babcock. The first stanza reads:

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 an excellent season to get out and enjoy the beauty of the “rocks and the trees.” Here are some activities that could get you and your family out to enjoy the “beauty of the earth” this autumn:

  • Take a scenic drive. Most road maps accent the highways and byways that offer exceptionally scenic views.
  • Visit a state or national park. These parks offer outdoor family activities such as fishing, hiking and dining, all with a scenic view.
  • Visit a wildlife refuge or a bird sanctuary. Observing wildlife in their natural habitat can be both educational and inspirational.
  • Plan a family picnic. Visit an established park or venture off into the wilderness and enjoy an outdoor meal and good family conversation.
  • Enjoy a community festival. Many communities sponsor seasonal festivals offering entertainment and good food, as well as local arts and crafts.

Autumn is a great time of year to enjoy the beauty of creation. It also reminds us that:

This is my Father’s world;
Oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong
Seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.

Barry Howard is senior minister of First Baptist Church in Corbin, Ky.

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