Take Time for Healing

The Red Trail on the St. Sebastian Buffer Preserve in Fellsmere

I went for a hike this morning in the St. Sebastian Buffer Preserve. There is something about that place that heals me. I had been listening to my iPod for a few minutes, but allowed myself to be distracted by the birds singing and the frogs croaking (this is Fellsmere after all). After pausing my iPod, I found myself in a moment of renewed perspective. As I looked around I couldn't see any power lines. I couldn't hear any cars whizzing by. Just me and 21 thousand acres of trees blowing gently in the breeze, deer frolicking in the puddles and armadillo rooting for a meal.

I could almost feel that place breathing new life into me as I walked along the trail. It was as though God had brought me out there to pour back into me what had been depleted by my busy schedule, taking myself too seriously and trying to solve problems in my head that weren't even likely to occur in reality.

I must have looked like a happy idiot, smiling widely as I walked along in the middle of the woods. I thanked God for the reminder that I have to take time for healing. I have to leave my routine and abandoned my aggressive to-do and allow God to replenish me from the inside out.