God's beauty and power on display
God's beauty and power on display
Look no further than Cape Hatteras National Seashore for God's gifts.
When Pastor Nathanael Stevens from Nags Head Church started this morning’s sermon by asking how many people had visited Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky), my ears perked up, due to my close connection to national park units over the past 12 years.
I don’t think anybody raised their hands in response to the pastor’s question during the late morning sermon, but it was noted that a few people raised their hands at the earlier sermon. What was the point of the question? A couple days ago, Mammoth Cave National Park relayed in comical fashion that they had recently been rated as one of the “most disappointing U.S. tourist attractions.” You can see the park’s Facebook post below.
Pastor Stevens went on to remark on the constant distractions we face and how important it is to seek out beauty. The topic of beauty reminded of a quote I heard John Eldredge relay in his Wild at Heart mobile app: “Beauty heals the soul.”
Mammoth Cave’s Facebook post was developed from various reviews of the park. Look closely at it—plentiful trees; over 80 miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding, and water trails; and limited cell phone service. In other words, beauty—and soul restoration—can be found at Mammoth Cave National Park, if you’re willing to eliminate distractions and look for and admire all God has given us.
Prior to moving to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I spent four years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, surrounded by tall buildings, constant traffic, and many people. Soon after moving to the Outer Banks, I discovered something I had forgotten about. CLOUDS! There are no really tall structures—other than several lighthouses—on the Outer Banks, so the cloud formations are sometimes quite stunning…if you can stop looking down at your phone and LOOK UP.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is America’s first National Seashore. Its ocean-facing beaches are 75 miles long. I am blessed to be associated with this national park unit. God’s beauty and power are always on full display.
Beauty
The waves from the Atlantic Ocean provide a constant reminder of God’s beauty. I recommend a visit to the beach—without distractions. Simply sit or stand and let the view of the waves calm and restore you.
I’ve already discussed the opportunities to see some amazing cloud formations.
The sunrises and sunsets are incredible. Photos never do them justice.
I know rainbows can be seen elsewhere, but there’s something about seeing God’s rainbow over the ocean that fills my cup. I don’t remember ever seeing a rainbow in Philadelphia for the same reasons why I don’t remember seeing clouds during my four years in the busy city.
Power
The beautiful ocean waves along the Outer Banks are also quite powerful. These aren’t the baby waves of Myrtle Beach or human-generated waves at a water park, they are forceful waves that’ll knock you down, carry houses away, and pull underprepared swimmers away from the shore. God’s power is present.
In closing, I will leave you with another John Eldredge quote, from his Aug. 22, 2024, “Daily Reading” e-newsletter.
God also filled the world with a renewable supply of something our souls need daily: beauty. Yes, beauty. The fact that our world is so saturated with beauty, breathtaking in so many ways great and small — this ought to let you know God feels it’s something you need for your survival. We are absolutely swimming in it.
Beauty is one of the richest graces God has provided to heal our souls and absorb his goodness.
I will do my best to put my phones (←unfortunately plural) down this week and get outside to thoroughly enjoy all that God made for us. Will you join me?