Great Smoky Mountains

I just returned from a short trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in east Tennessee/west North Carolina. The Smoky Mountains (also known as The Smokies) probably wouldn't be considered mountains by people used to the Rockies or the Alps - maybe they'd be better named The Big Rolling Hills. But they are beautiful! Full of trees and lush greenery and lots of wildlife. There are butterflies everywhere, and it's common to see deer, bears and wild turkey. The Smokies are also filled with rushing rivers and streams with cold, clear water.

I have a great sense of God when I am in the Smokies. Surrounded by his beautiful and perfect creations, I feel a strong connection to him. His fingerprints are everywhere. How good he is to provide us with a little hint of heaven! And how good he is to give us the wisdom to preserve this land and not let it be taken over by development and other uses.

A couple of relevant Bible verses:

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." -Romans 1:20

and not as directly related, but illustrating the same principle:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." -Psalm 19:1

So, get out in nature and open your heart and mind to his presence, and get recharged!