“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17)

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4)

I love the outdoors. Maybe it comes from living in Colorado, or from being a badge-holder of many Scout jamborees. Perhaps it explains having closets full of fishing rods, sleeping bags, scuba gear, and skis, each begging freedom and purpose in its time. I love nature because it both expands me and reduces me. I understand who I am better when I actually see the grand scope of life around me.  May I explain?

Have you ever been overwhelmed at a view? Ever felt your breath taken away by the still reflection of a lake, or on a quiet path through Spanish-moss-draped Cyprus trees?  Have you looked up at the unfurled, non-city constellations and become a bit smaller? Or felt like a simple puzzle piece among the complex biodiversity of an ocean, jungle, or savannah? I have been blessed to see these places and to feel these things.

JOHN MUIR (1838-1914). American (Scottish-born) naturalist, c1908.

I’ve been reading the many reflections of John Muir (1838-1914), the early Scottish-born American conservationist and explorer. From a strong Presbyterian background, John Muir is widely regarded as one of the most influential naturalists in history. His legacy as a pioneering conservationist, writer, and advocate for preserving wilderness places him among the top tier of naturalists globally. Combining the worlds of adventure, faith, and poetic thoughtfulness, on a camping trip in 1903 he single-handedly convinced President Theodore Roosevelt of the importance of natural conservations and national parks. Score one for the outdoors team. If you have visited any national park, you have John Muir to thank.

Muir explored most of uncharted California, Utah, Nevada, and Alaska by foot and horseback, climbed the great mountains of the west coast, and was usually the first European to walk the Native American trails of Yosemite. He was a mostly self-trained botanist, geologist, zoologist, glaciologist, and naturalist. He founded the Sierra Club, and his books and letters have been read by millions. John Muir was often called, “John of the Mountains,” and once wrote in his journal, “I only went out for walk and finally concluded to stay out until sundown, for going out, I found, was going in.”

In the dusk of his life, he wrote this reflection on his Creator and his creation:

In God’s wilderness lies the hope of the world — the great fresh, unblighted wilderness…I used to envy the father of our race, dwelling as he did in contact with the new-made fields and plants of Eden; but I do so no more, because I have discovered that I also live in “creation’s dawn.” The morning stars still sing together, and the world, not half yet made, becomes more beautiful every day. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves…

From the dust of the earth, from the common elementary fund, the Creator has made Homo Sapiens. From the same material he has made every other creature, however noxious and insignificant to us. They are earth-born companions and our fellow mortals.

This grand show is Eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.

I think Muir might be saddened at many things of our modern age of industrialization, consumption, and wastefulness. I think he also would be burdened that so many people find joy in the beautiful places of creation and yet never even think about Who created it, and why. We are too easily satisfied with what? and yet fail to ask how? and why? and who? Unlike Muir, we go out, but never go in, not truly seeking the deeper meaning of the beauty around us.

“God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening.  Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded, but their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. 

The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee.”   

(Eugene Peterson’s poetic translation of Psalm 19:1-4, 7-9)