God’s creation brings us joy. This is what grass looks like under the microscope

Spending time outside, enjoying God’s creation is good for us. 

Outside activity can boost our physical health by improving our cardiovascular fitness, strengthening muscles and regulating our immune system. It benefits our mental health too, reducing anxiety and depression by lowering cortisol (that all too familiar stress hormone) and bringing a sense of calm. It also enhances focus and creativity.

I don’t want to be a hypocrite, so I’ve stepped outside my house to write this in my garden. 

And breathe. 

I am aware that this is a luxury that not everyone can experience, so let me paint a picture for you. 

The sky is blue and the sun is bright, casting shadows through the shrubs, trees and flowers that are my husband’s pride and joy. We inherited our slice of Eden when we moved and, like Adam, my husband has taken on the responsibility of caring for it, delighting in it daily (Genesis 2:15). The sound of a plane passing high overhead can just be heard over the birdsong and the occasional buzz of a bee. The nearby church bells have just rung 10am, and my neighbour is pottering in his garden, listening to the radio. Butterflies flit from flower to flower and the smell of blossom is in the air. It’s a special place, in which I’ve laughed, cried, prayed, danced, played, eaten, worked, rested and exercised.

Within a few minutes, I can also walk to a communal green space in our local park, and the coast is also nearby, where I can see God showing off in a plethora of other creative scenes. 

A friend sent me an image of a blade of grass, photographed under a microscope

Can you see it? The visions of God’s glory in front of your eyes?

Psalm 19:1 says: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (ESV). Psalm 23 says: “God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction” (v1-3, The Message).

Recently a friend sent me an image of the cross section of a blade of grass, photographed under a microscope (see above). Within each one are what looks like lots of little smiley faces. Each is placed there by God for his own enjoyment, knowing that each blade of grass brings joy from the ground up. 

God is all about the detail and, in nature, we see so much of it. Look at a spider’s web, the veins in a leaf or the different colours of the flowers in a field.

God knew that nature was good for us, and Jesus did too. He regularly set out for the wilderness or a garden, knowing them as places of surrender, solitude and strength (Matthew 26:36-39; Luke 22:43).

So, step outside today. It’ll be so good for you physically, mentally and spiritually. 

Or if you want to go one step further, come with me to the Peak District. Later this month, I’ll be hosting Abide With Me, a weekend of faith, adventure and reflection that will blend outdoor adventure with gratitude practice, group connection and spiritual stillness. Whether you come alone or with friends, I hope you’ll leave feeling stronger, refreshed and more grounded. 

Find out more about Abide With Me, and book tickets at theoutdoorguide.co.uk