I can remember as a 7th grader being on a camping trip with my church in the Ozark Mountains. I had gotten up early in the morning to watch a sunrise, maybe for the first time in my life. Sitting on White Rock Mountain enjoying a quiet morning alone with God in his creation, I was moved profoundly by the things I saw. Arkansas is tough to beat in the fall as the leaf’s change turning everything to orange, gold and red. Everything around me screamed of His handiwork. As I watched the fog weave through the valley and eventually lift, I noticed an area across the valley that had been clear cut by a lumber company. The sight of emptiness where majestic trees had once stood impacted not only my eyes, but more importantly my heart.
My young mind was eager to draw theological parallels to what I saw. The joy and fullness of life that God intends is slowly being “clear cut” leaving us empty and vulnerable.
That camping trip was the first time I noticed God’s fingerprints in the trees, rocks and clouds. Since then I have experienced countless encounters with God that have shaped my life while in Nature. I will get to those another time. For now let me say that I have never been more acutely aware of God’s presence than when immersed in His Creation. Go outside. Spend some time in nature’s solitude. You will be amazed.
I am very excited to be coming on to Compass Wilderness’ full time staff. I have shared many experiences with some of you who will read this, and it is my vision to share these types of experiences with so many more people. Let’s go climbing!
Steven Charles
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3 comments:
Great post steven, I'm excited about our trip in March.
I remember that kid! That God began to work in your young heart to do what you are now doing is one more confirmation of the importance of working with young people - to help them begin to grasp the awesomeness of God's creation and His power in their lives - to help them begin to develop a trust for Him and to see the need to work as a community of believers to do the work He has put us on this earth to do. I can't wait to see how lives are impacted through Compass!
Hi Steven, This is Paul in Ada. I heard you joined Compass fulltime. I went by to see you at Backwoods and I missed you by one day. Good for you. See you on the trail.
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