Ever since I went on spiritual pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland in 2016, I have made a daily practice of walking or running outside. I push myself to do this even when the weather is not all that nice.

I use my outdoor time for reflection, planning, and decision making. I also enjoy observing nature and allowing myself to feel God’s presence with me. My walking practice restores me.

But I think my favorite thing about going outside is allowing space for God to delight me. That is how I think of it. I imagine God seeing me step out the front door and saying, “I’m going to put something special out for Michelle to see today.” Most of the time this is just something small like watching the baby barn swallows out practicing flight for the first time, or a really cool sunset, or the way the air smells like fresh cut grass.

But sometimes… God chooses something more striking and impressive to show me. A few weeks ago it was Fantastic Mr. Fox (or maybe Mrs.). I’d never seen a full grown fox in the wild. Occasionally a fox will make a den in a ditch and as you wiz past you may catch a glimpse of the fox cubs peeking out the hole.

On this particular day, as I approached the end of the driveway I saw him. Just on the other side of the road in the driveway entrance to our pasture… he had just crossed the road and paused at the exact moment saw him and he saw me. What a glorious creature. I noted the lovely black paws and how the black faded up his legs into a gorgeous red coat. His tail was large and fluffy and he was much bigger than I would have expected.

I took the experience to be quite special. It is one of the ways I receive encouragement from God especially in regard to being a creator. I talk to God about the things I am making, so I find it quite natural that every once and awhile, God shows me something he’s extra proud of and it fills me with great delight.

Are there ways you find God delighting and encouraging you? Do you make a point to enjoy nature on a regular basis?