Old Indian Trail
1/9/14
Distance: There are two loops, each about 2.5 miles long
Terrain: Green Arrow Loop is flat to gently rolling
Vegetation: Evergreens and hardwoods
Comments: The trail leads to a view of Lake Michigan. Great trail for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
A Wood at Rest
by Sarah Anderson
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.” - Psalm 62:5
I’ve walked this trail many times in various seasons. It’s a favorite because of the sweet smell of pine along the way. Pine trees, in my opinion, make great woods. You can see far behind the path on either side and the trees remain green year-round. Where most forests can look drab in the colder season, the Old Indian Trail is luxurious and magical.
The forest sleeps. Each tree is swaddled in blankets of white and there is a peaceful silence as the woods slumber on through the winter months. I want to tiptoe, afraid to wake them from their dreams.
Every season has a purpose: spring giving birth to life, summer providing shelter and shade, autumn bringing forth a harvest and sweet winter, when all dozes and takes a break from it’s toil. God’s Word speaks of the seasons in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” and God Himself demonstrated restfulness on the seventh day after speaking the world into creation (Genesis 2:2).
As the snow crunches under our boots, the only sound in a hushed world, my mind is awakened to the crystallized canvas before us. God desires that all creation rests. He bids us to be still, to give pause so we may be caught up in the beauty of it all, the beauty of Him.
We will miss a world submitting in quiet reverence to it’s Maker if we do not take the time to slow down. God desires that we live wonderstruck, marveling at His glory. And when we do, the busyness is peeled back from the lens of our eyes and we can finally see the Divine.
Lord, forgive me when I get too busy. Forgive me for being too focused on my tasks and caught up in my plans. Life is not about me. And when I keep my head down and my eyes on my tight schedule, I miss the greater purpose of my life, to give You glory! Remove the blinders and give me sight for Your beauty. When I am caught up in the world, I am never satisfied. Only You give my soul peace. Calm my spirit. Wrap me in Your arms. And for now, in this season, let me rest in You.