Some of this pandemic reporting practically affects me like that old game of tag we called “statue.” You were touched and had to freeze in place until someone freed you.

The other evening I got outside a few minutes — away from the scary stuff — to walk along our wooded drive. I saw tiny buds on the lilac bush — heard a squirrel chatter — watched the sun drop behind the mountain — gazed at big puffy clouds tinted lavender.

It did me a lot of good. Nature as it was intended to be is restorative. The Bible says of God, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made….”

I think this is why people are drawn to the outdoors — and why it renews and replenishes. Because God is present in His creation. Knowingly, or unknowingly, there is interaction with the One who brought it into being.

I am heartsick for those who are not being allowed outside at all. Who are denied an opportunity to find joy and peace in the beauty of nature. In our area we haven’t lost this great privilege. We can get outdoors and have that conversation with God.

After I came inside feeling not so statue-like — as if tagged free by creation — I was drawn to a small plaque of my grandmother’s hanging from the mantel. It is a poem by Elizabeth Cheney titled “Overheard in an Orchard”:

Said the Robin to the Sparrow,

“I should really like to know

Why these anxious human beings

Rush about and worry so.”

Said the Sparrow to the Robin,

“Friend, I think that it must be

That they have no Heavenly Father

Such as cares for you and me.”

We anxious human beings may not be rushing about so much now. There has been a decisive slow down for many. But for some that just allows worry to catch up.

It seems to me the Robin and the Sparrow know a thing or two. And now is a very good time to pay attention.