Everyday Nature: A Praise Walk

I must say up front, this idea is not entirely mine. It is one I found here, and then embellished  upon slightly. I do think it is a lovely and quiet Holy Saturday activity, one that might keep itchy children out from underfoot! ;)

If the weather is accomodating, head out for a leisurely nature walk. You need to bring nothing more than your keen senses with you (though you could of course bring a camera or sketch pad). Smell the new grass, hear the birds in the trees, look around and see the beauty of our world. Look, in particular, for little signs of life returning from the depths of winter. And for everything you see, every little thing you marvel over, give thanks to God for the world He created for us.

When the children return home, have the crayons and paper set out. Let them make a Praise Poster - filled with all the things they saw on their walk. Write Praise God in bold letters at the top (glittered, perhaps) and hang it near your dinner table. Include these beautiful images in your Easter grace tomorrow.

Now, if the weather is not accomodating, your children can still participate in a Praise Walk ~ just have them sit by a window and gaze out upon the world. From where they sit they can surely see many lovely things to be thankful for. They might start with the rain itself, and remember how precious it is to our earth and its creatures.

Simply put, a Praise Walk is a nature walk, but today we bring fresh eyes to the landscape, and we seek out more than just a new flower or the toad underfoot. Today we leave our field guides behind and let our hearts lead the way.

The year's at the spring,
And day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven;
The hill-side's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
God's in his Heaven --
All's right with the world!

(Pippa's Song, Robert Browning)

Comments

[Maria Cunningham]

I can't wait to take my Praise Walk! Thanks for the inspiration Dawn.

[Lisa]

Dawn, I linked here from Elizabeth's post on Burnout...this is so lovely and inspiring! Thank you for uplifting our souls!

[Theresa ♥]

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing it Dawn.