Embracing the Majesty of Nature: Lessons from John Muir and Discovering Hidden Wilderness Treasures

Written by Ken Hulsey

Over the past couple of weeks, Terri and I have been enjoying Ken Burns' series on The National Parks on Amazon. We truly love learning about our great nation's history and certainly love seeing all the vast beauty that we here in America have been blessed with. The early episodes of the series focus on the efforts of acclaimed naturalist John Muir to preserve many of our nation's most majestic locations, such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and even the Grand Canyon. Muir considered the mountains and meadows of Yosemite to be one of God's most majestic temples, a living example of his divine power of creation. From viewing scenes of this amazing natural wonder, one can do nothing but marvel at its beauty and gaze in awe at its majesty. 

Muir once wrote: "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

I, like Muir, find connecting with nature something that cleanses the mind and soul. Though we don't have anything as majestic as the mountains of Yosemite, the wonders of Yellowstone, or an awe-inspiring creation like the Grand Canyon here in Louisiana, we are still blessed with some of the best unspoiled wilderness areas in the country. There are enough trees, rivers, swamps, and bayous to explore and escape life, even if it is just for a few hours. 

My wilderness temple, if you will, is an area here in Central Louisiana known as the Fort Buhlow Recreation Area. I find that its hiking trails give me a chance to go out in the morning and experience life in a way that most people forget even exists. The birds sing, flowers bloom, and on occasion you may be blessed by the sight of a wild rabbit and even a deer or two. It's the place where I can feel the wonder of God's creation. It's a place that centers me.

Muir also said: "Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean."

Indeed, connecting with nature "washes one's spirit clean". If you don't already do so, I urge you to find that special place somewhere in the wild where God and his creation can wash over you. A place that changes your perspective on life.