Noland – October 27th 2015

1.      The Noland Trail – October 27^th 2015

This particular excursion was full more of education, thanks to Dr. Redick. However, the education provided still permitted the wild outdoors to speak to the wild inner man within me.

I think one of the most impactful moments of this particular trip was seeing the different products of what God has created, and hearing some of the purposes that they serve. A holly bush – what we see is a pesky, painful plant that hurts us if we get too close. What God sees is a beautiful blend of greens, with a smooth, leathery skin that was made to be tough. The holly leaf is one that will not take yes for an answer for a change, fighting predators with its pungent sting. The magnolia tree – we see what God sees, I think. A shady reserve, with those same shades of green and soft, leather-like skin, providing a personal sanctuary to those insects who need a place, or even those humans that need somewhere to rest.

The beauty that God has placed around us pushes us to seek the beauty that He has placed around us. I’m thankful that he takes this approach to seek us first.