I have never been much of a "St. Francis guy." By that, I mean, I've never been one to have too many spiritual experiences in nature. I have had some of my most prayerful experiences in a church building in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
However, I can not deny that there is something inherently good about being in nature. I've gone hunting and it is really an incredible experience to be in the woods before the dawn and just experience nature "waking-up" with the sun. I also have had great moments at camp, or out in the wide-openness of North Dakota. I can't really explain it, but I think that most people recognize that there is something good about nature and about being in nature.
I am writing this, not because of Earth Day yesterday, but because I am out in the back yard of the rectory right now for the first time this year, just sitting, sipping-coffee, and praying the breviary, and it really is wonderful. I'm not saying that we should dismiss technology (God forbid), or that we should bow to nature as our "mother" (Mary is our Mother; thank you Jesus!), but I don't think I have ever met a person who isn't in awe of the beauty of nature.
So, what are your thoughts...why do we recognize that it is good to be in nature?
