Nature Heals
Peaceful scenes of Cyprus
Nothing heals the soul like the tranquillity of nature. After living for half a century (yes, I had my 50th birthday last August!), I realize increasingly that what I need is deep peace in my surroundings.
Thankful for Nature
I am thankful for the busy years when my health allowed me to travel and chase adventure; now my travelling days have been curtailed due to health problems, but I am content to be based on an island of awesome beaches and sunsets.
Hopefully, it is just a temporary season, and I will soon be able to resume my travels.
I am by no means a beach person in the summer as my freckled skin does not permit sunbathing, but winter walks are a delightful way of replenishing iodine levels while inhaling the salty air.
Cyprus has some of the top Blue Flag beaches in Europe (which I will photograph soon and post) with stretches of golden sand and azure seawater.
Summers are scorching in Cyprus, causing the crystal clear sea to warm up to pleasant temperatures of 25–29 degrees Celsius.
What a change to the Atlantic Ocean on the north coast of my home island, N. Ireland! The last time I attempted to swim there, I almost fainted from the cold!
Healing
At times when I am out for a stroll on the beach, I pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming; it is a huge privilege to be by the coast after living in landlocked countries for twenty years!
I need the pure sea air and the peace that expanses of water bring to the mind.
And the healing has begun…
In more recent days, I have been reminding myself that God has all in His control and there is no need to be stressed about the health situation. He will give me all I need, I just need to trust Him.
Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. Matthew 6 (The Message)
Look at that beautiful butterfly, and learn from it to trust in God. One might wonder where it could live in tempestuous nights, in the whirlwind, or in the stormy day; but I have noticed it is safe and dry under the broad leaf while rivers have been flooded, and the mountain oaks torn up from their roots. Jeremy Taylor
If you are stressed or close to burnout, take some time out in nature and breathe. Let the pure mountain air or coastal breeze revive your inner fatigue and melt away the choking cares of life.
Contemplate the silence and see the bigger picture.
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
The Aaronic Blessing
Share how you have found peace in turbulent moments. I’d love to read your comments.