Happy Thoughts

Large-flowered Trillium

Twin-leaf Cutwort

I have found myself getting a little depressed over the last twelve hours or so.  I have seen, primarily via social media, too many examples of injustice in the world; too many acts of judgement against those who choose to live a Godly lifestyle.  I find it interesting how non-believers are so quick to accuse Christians of passing judgement, yet Christians cannot practice their faith without being called ignorant, hateful, and believers of pixies and fairies.  We have come to a place, or perhaps we have been there for a long time and I'm only just now noticing, where I feel like I am under constant attack, not because of how I treat people, but rather because of placing my faith in something other than myself and science.

Once upon a time, back in the early history of our nation, some of the most noted naturalists were men of faith, clergymen.  When they were not preaching, presiding over funerals, and other official duties, they were out learning from Creation.  Now-a-days, it is very difficult for  person of faith to share their enthusiasm for Creation, because most naturalists are not people of faith.  They believe that those of who are, are nothing more than flakes out searching for leprechauns.

So, as I began writing this I found myself in need of finding a happy place.  My happy place is the Stone House Trail at Salt Fork State Park near Cambridge, Ohio. This trail, located on the north side of the park, is perhaps one of the best wildflower walks in Ohio come April and May.  Even in bad wildflower years, this trail is stunning.  In good years, the overwhelming beauty is almost enough to bring a tear to the eye. Sometimes I like to sit on one of the rocks surrounded by trillium and just listen to the waves of the lake, lapping up against the shore, the wind brushing against the leafless twigs above me.  It is refreshing to be absorbed into the raw beauty of Creation, nobody around to tell me I am not conservative enough, or to tell me how hateful I am because I do not agree with the latest social trends, or to ask if I have seen any unicorns pass by (snicker, snicker).

So please excuse me as I close my eyes, find a rock to sit upon, and listen to the only words that really matter; those of Creation rejoicing around me.