We connect with God through His creation at many levels.  Robert Russell writes of another dimension, he states, “the spiritual journey leads not only outward into the universe.  It leads outward into the world, where the people of the world are called to bear witness to the redemptive power of God with us”.  Perhaps that is what has occurred in my times in nature, or in yours.  Maybe we were giving witness to that redemptive power.  Though I gravitate towards the water in my nature experiences and though water can be quite expansive, it is not the same as taking in the whole of creation.  It is not the same as viewing it from atomic or microscopic levels.  It is not the same  as taking it in from a maco view to a view of the cosmos.  I suppose though the point that Russell is making, is not about what we see or take in.  It is more about taking a real look at what we are seeing and understanding fully that there is more out there to become acquainted with, to understand that the creation is limitless just as the Creator and beyond our understanding.  In his way Russell is saying take “a long loving look at the real”, take it all in and rejoice with all of creation.  We are a part of something greater and we are called to worship and be in dialogue with the creator of that something.  Our contemplation in nature, which is a piece of our spiritual journey, leads us to the Creator.

     When I consider the specific responses to nature that I and many who have shared with  me what they have experienced, I can see that they all indeed have led to richer experiences in and of the Creator.  I can see also that these times of awareness of God through and with nature is something that I need to chew on and savor more.  As all of us experience similar times, I am sure that this awareness will grow and deepen.  I believe that what needs to happen on our part is to continually see how we are both actors and participants in the audience of this magnificent play that God the creator has given us to enjoy, to be radically amazed by and to reveal Himself in.

Quote: Robert Russell, J., “Contemplation: a Scientific Context”, Continuim, 2:2&3, pg. 136