I have always been deeply connected to nature on both an emotional and spiritual level; more so on the spiritual level. Whether I am in the midst of a sunset/sunrise, surrounded by beautifully magnificent mountains, the mysterious depth of the ocean, or the ever-changing weather, I have always felt closer to God and his presence in those moments.
Ever since arriving to Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire, there has been a continuous slight breeze. The breeze does not feel ominous or harsh, it is rather gentle and refreshing. I have discovered myself craving to be outdoors in this beautiful African country simply to feel the sensation of the breeze brushing over my skin, to feel it move through my hair. One night, several teams decided to worship outside under a few trees in the middle of our compound. The weather felt glorious, like an autumn evening in Western North Carolina, my absolute favorite time of year. Our group was singing How Great Thou Art, a hymn that is near and dear to my heart, and I was swaying along to all the beautiful voices praising and worshiping our Father. At one point, I distinctly noticed the breeze. It had picked up and I felt as though the breeze was cutting me off from my surroundings and wrapping itself around me, gently caressing my face and skin, embracing me. In that moment, I remember thinking, “The presence of the Lord is here.” Little did I know I was going to feel Him so deeply as I felt his reassuring arms wrap around me.
Before leaving, one of the things I knew I was going to miss the most was hugging my dad. Anytime I am feeling down, unsafe, or in the need of a hug, he is always there waiting with open arms that instantly make me feel safe, reassuring me that everything is going to be alright. Being embraced by my Heavenly Father was indescribable. In that perfect moment, he wrapped me up in his loving embrace reassuring me that everything was going to be alright, reminding me that he is with me every step of the way, walking hand-in-hand.
“You will find me
Yeah you will find me
In places that we’ve never been
For reasons we don’t understand
Walking in the wind” -One Direction “Walking In The Wind”
