I told you last week that I was looking forward to hiking weather and that it was coming soon.
Well, it’s here.
At least, it was today. Mostly overcast skies with temperatures in the 70s, accompanied by a regular breeze, was much appreciated.
Not only that, but I was able to hike on a new local trail that is only about 15 minutes from the house. The trail had a steady uphill ascent, but was gradual and well marked. I was looking for signs of autumn, but everything is still mostly green.
Some call it “forest bathing”, but it sounds like hiking to me. And I have known for a little while now that it is good for my mental health, though there are also studies providing empirical evidence of such. Most of the time, like today, I just think and pray. Occasionally I will listen to music, but not today, as I listened to birdsong and other sounds of nature. I try to rarely use my phone, in general, except to capture the scenes that occupy my attention.
I am grateful that I was able to take this walk in the woods today. It is one weapon among many that I am using to fight against the darkness of depression and sadness. Trauma is a specter that is never fully gone, but its apparition doesn't have to be entertained or welcomed for a meal. Easier said than done, as they say, but I am finding some light and lightheartedness returning little by little.
Reading Joy
I finished Michael Reeves book Delighting in the Trinity, which is the most accessible and well presented book on the Trinity that I have read. Reeves shows well why the Trinity matters to our faith and the difference it makes in belief and practice. While we speak generally about “God”, the Christian professes faith in the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). This is the 39th book I have finished for the year.
I do not typically read ebooks, but I read most of this one while I was working out at the gym (as I resumed that habit for the first time since Covid started). This one was available through Hoopla, which I can access for free through my Library card. Hooray for libraries!
On the Nightstand:
I started reading On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church by Deepak Reju this week. On page 60 of 199. I hate that this book exists and it is not the most uplifting of books, but it is a necessary book for caring for and protecting those who are vulnerable.
Amor Towles’ book The Lincoln Highway has been what I have been reaching for the most this week and have been greatly enjoying. On page 216 of 573
The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time by Alex Korb. On page of 195.
Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose. Still on page 262 of 484.
Still carrying around Harold Senkbeil’s the Care of Souls, but no progress.
Listening Joy
Here’s a new to me song: If You Believe Your God Is Dead, Try Mine by The Swan Silvertones. Certainly not a new song, as you may be able to surmise from the thumbnail for the video below. Sometimes there’s nothing like how a spiritual or black gospel song captures truth and emotion.
I loved this one so much that I am including a little bit of it my sermon this week.
Seeing Joy
You’ll have to put up with seeing more pictures from my hike this morning.
Can you forest bathe via picture? Probably not, but I’m still sharing anyway.
Thank you for reading, as always.
Glad you were able to find some joy in walking in the woods. I also want to say that the 9 pictures together look like one of the reCaptcha things where you have to choose all the pictures that have a branch in it