Tuesday, September 24, 2013

You Are Here --Thanks be to God!



Yesterday we drove a mere 15 minutes north of Belleville to the Frink Conservation area for an exploratory ramble. I knew I needed to get out into the natural world after a busy time. Ironically Creation Time was adding to the workload of September, so I made some time for Creation and recreation.

What a great spot! We ended up walking along the edge of the Moira River and could see where we have paddled our kayaks on several occasions. Then we headed inland across a silver maple swamp pictured above. Ruth suggested we traverse the boardwalk without saying a word, as a contemplative exercise. A little later we found yet another "You are Here" sign (the signage is very helpful) and it occurred to us that being in the "you are here" moment is so important. Centering and sifting down, as the Quaker's say, being present with God, is not just something that happens out-of-doors, but we are often aware of God the Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer when we push back the "oughts" of life, even for a brief time. Some times we feel swamped by the demands of life, but yesterday being swamped was a good thing.

Have you visited this little gem of a conservation area? Do you need the natural world to feel centred? Where is your "you are here" spot? Would the Frink  be a good place for a congregational saunter?

http://quinteconservation.ca/web/images/stories/camping_and_conservation_lands/conservation_lands/areas/frink.pdf

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