Spring is here, and we can finally stretch our legs and get back outside. This year I’m noticing that I often let the wonders and joys of spring go unnoticed – things like small buds on trees, the grass slowly turning green again, and birds chirping outside my window. 

Having children under a certain age has helped me to notice these things again, and it calls me to slow down and really look at the world around me.

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10

All things point to God and His hand in creation. And, just like we’re called to in Job, let’s take the opportunity this spring to recognize God in His creation. Here are five ways to connect with God through nature this season:

1. Go for a nature walk.

This is a great activity to do solo, but it can also be a wonderful opportunity to take your children or grandchildren outside with you. You can use this quiet time to memorize Scripture – choosing a verse to speak over yourself and others as you walk. You can also use this time to reconnect with God through breath prayer (maybe even turning your memory verse into a breath prayer!) Slowing down to be in nature, notice your breath, and acknowledge God are all healthy habits to cultivate in your life – and, if you have kiddos tagging along, it’s an opportunity to teach them how to do the same.

2. Look for God in nature.

There’s never a bad time to appreciate God’s handiwork, and it’s literally all around us. You can add this activity to your nature walk, or even practice it from your window on a gloomy day. Notice how rain falls to nourish the ground and plants. Pick a flower and inspect its leaves and petals – the intricacies of the lines and shapes of each part. Inspect the different types of trees and how the bark, branches, leaves and fruit are different and serve various purposes. Watch bees and other pollinators go from plant to plant, gathering up and redistributing pollen, so flowers, fruits and plants can grow.

3. Log what you see in a journal.

I remember making a nature scrapbook when I was in elementary school, and it’s still one of my favorite science activities we ever did in school. Back then we picked up different leaves and flowers to tape into a scrapbook and identify. Why not bring that same wonder back into adulthood? You can place these findings in your journal, or go one step further and draw these in your notebook. It doesn’t matter if your drawings are perfect. The point is to slow down and notice the beauty and care in God’s creation. 

4. Enjoy your time outside!

There are many purposes for nature, and our enjoyment is one of them! Take time to play outside whether that means going for a walk, doing water sports at the lake, playing tag with your kids, or something completely different. Whatever it is, just make sure you’re doing something you enjoy! Take time at the end of the day to thank God for His creation and how you got to enjoy it.

5. Shift your perspective.

Maybe that seems easier said than done. But, like most habits, this takes time. We have to choose the small steps every day to make big and lasting changes over time. So, take time to shift your perspective, and you can start doing this in your time outside. Doing one (or all) of the things mentioned above can help you to shift your perspective. These activities are meant to inspire awe for God’s care and design for creation. When you’re overwhelmed by a situation or get upset with the weather, think of ways you can shift your perspective from one of disappointment or complaining to one of awe and gratitude.

There is wisdom in how God made the earth, and how he cares even more for us. Just as it says in Psalm 66:4, everything on earth will worship God. So, let’s be part of that chorus of worship today.