Spring came early this year, and I am glad. I needed the return of color to brighten the solemnness of loss.
Following are observations on the healing power of nature:
Light
One of the joys of spring is the change in light and the return of warmth. Although there are days when winter’s chill lingers, increasing light reminds us of lengthening days and tempts us with the promised warmth of summer.
The return of dawn each day underscores renewal. Light banishes sorrows and illuminates the day with a positive spin. Light is a friend when darkness threatens to turn our circumstances toward despair.
Beauty
A week by the sea was a balm for my soul. It was my first opportunity to detach from the busyness, and business, that comes with the death of a loved one, and enjoy unscheduled time for thought and reflection.
Viewing the ever-changing motion of the ocean mirrors life with all its ups and downs. Some days the ocean is calm and lake-like; other days, the waves crash with unrelenting force and urgency. Grief is similar to the sea in its progression, coming slowly, softly, unexpectedly, and then hitting you with a surge that pulls you under and beats you against tides of emotion.
No matter what you are experiencing—loss, uncertainty, sorrow, health issues, caregiving—nothing about your situation dampens beauty. Beauty is there, waiting for you to observe it, and absorb its healing power.
Praise
The song “For the Beauty of the Earth” was penned by Folliot Sandford Pierpoint in 1864. The original title was “The Sacrifice of Praise.” Written as a Eucharist hymn, we often associate the song with Thanksgiving, yet Creator God is worthy of our praise throughout the year.
Likewise, praise isn’t reserved only for times of joy. Sacrificial praise occurs when we praise God in life’s difficulties, acknowledging his goodness, faithfulness, and presence.
Healing
Nature is God’s gift to us. We could be living in a stark world, devoid of contrast. Instead, God gave us a variety of landscapes, colors, sounds, and sights to enjoy.
Even on the day of Jim’s January death, daffodils turned their yellow faces toward the sun, reminding me the return of spring was not far off, and neither was my Creator and Sustainer.
When your world turns upside down, nature remains constant, just as God’s presence, comfort, and peace are unchanging. Allow the beauty of nature to heal and restore, making a path for forward motion.
“Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us and visit [us]. To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78-79 AMPC).
©CandyArrington
Praying with Jim in the Garden of Gethsemane Jan. 2023
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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