St Peters RC Church Hamilton

“Thousands of tired, nerve shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity.” (Our National Parks” 1901 John Muir)

What constitutes wilderness?

At its basic sense, it could simply be

Somewhere open, not populated, not decimated.

A wide open, welcoming countryside beckoning,

Inviting an onlooker to abide awhile,

In a style unhurried, in a place not worried

By sprawling, dominating, life and land swallowing urbanisation.

The destination can be viewed, not on line

In the suffocating atmosphere of I.T. literacy,

But outside in the flowing fresh air,

Where body, mind and spirit can reinvigorate,

There is an abundance of opportunity on this island,

Sat securely surrounded by the sapphire sea.

North to south, east to west, hummocks, ridges,

Ledges on hills and steep mountain tops offer a view,

Resplendent, relaxing, energising, being tranquil.

Lungs can take in a fill of mountain fresh air.

There is more than enough to spare, up there

At the top, where the view is splendid!

There is a hush to be enjoyed, broken only

By sweet song bird cadence of melody.

And the view over open countryside, no town nor city,

Offers plenty to the frazzled mind wanting to find calm.

Calm is a balm for our spirit and soul.

Is this not the whole point of walking in the wild?

Even climbing as necessary should we wish,

To find stunning scenes of outstanding countryside beauty,

Is itself another uplift to discover.

When you do, surely revelation works through the brain

To realise such beauty had to have a Creator.

And who but the Lord God Almighty

In all the mystery of regal power, His sovereignty,

Could, would have the skill of creativity

To paint a picture remarkably?

His paintbox seems to have endless shades,

Just look at the variety of scenery God has made,

Displayed before your gaze, when walking in the wild,

And climbing up higher to enhance the view.

All the Creator does for me and you is incomparable.

It makes me think of the biblical narrative in Genesis,

When God finished His work of creation,

Standing back, just like we do to enjoy the view,

Declaring it ‘Very good’ as indeed it is!

Then out of nothing but generosity,

Without fanfare of trumpets, no loud acclaim,

The Creator lives up to His name in sharing the beauty.

His creativity spills out far and wide,

Up and down the countryside, discovered when walking in the wild.

Sitting down to enjoy the view, what thoughts come to you?

Standing up high, feeling almost as if you could touch the sky,

The panoramic view has to do much and become a lasting impression,

Perhaps the earth is not so far from heaven!

A wilderness offering of amazing beauty,

Lodging firmly in your memory to be enjoyed regularly.

Whilst your tired, nerve shaken, battered mind,

Will find the tranquillity, only a solitary place

About the mountain steep, will keep you contented.

For faith believers this will undoubtedly be opportunity to pray,

Holding this day of adventure up before our Maker,

Who knew what the push and shove of crowds could do,

People jostling, demanding, seeking your attention

You will be reminded of the necessity to simply be.

Be still, be carefree, at least temporarily,

To simply drink in the amazing, breath snatching panoramic view,

And all you will decide to do is adore the Creator.

The Maker who knew this wilderness to be a necessity,

Being a place you can thrive on uninterrupted godly company,

Feeling as happy as if on top of the world.

In fact you may be, if you have climbed sufficiently!

Oh Lord, how wonderful it can be to ramble in open countryside, without a care in the world, at least temporarily!

Thank You for this God given opportunity when we can see such beauty and feel our spirit, soul and body really refreshed. Amen.

CATEGORY: (NATURE, Walking)