As I was pondering what mini-habits to work on this month, I sat looking out the window at my desk. Not long ago, I moved the desk from the corner of the room to its current position…directly in front of the window. I wanted to be able to see outside while I studied or wrote. The semi-wooded area is filled with busy squirrels and birds. I often catch myself just watching through the window. As I sat there that day watching two squirrels play on the driveway, it hit me how relaxing it was for me. It brought rest to my over-thinking brain…peace where anxiety had been a moment before. That is where the mini-habit task of sitting outside at least one time a day was born.
Psalm 61 came to my mind when considering how my body and mind find rest when I’m outside…in God’s creation.
Hear my cry, O God;
Psalm 61:1-4
Give heed to my prayer.
2 From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For You have been a refuge for me,
A tower of strength [a]against the enemy.
4 Let me [b]dwell in Your tent forever;
Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
The older I get the more I find a connection with God when I’m outside. Just observing the magnificence of His creation brings other stuff in my life into perspective. From the grandest of trees to the tiniest of insects, His hand made it all with just a command.
Spiders are not on my top list of things to watch. However, their webs fascinate me! 
My son sent this picture. One day I hope I get to see these magnificent trees in person.
Being outside in the middle of what He spoke into being is a refuge for me. It reminds me that my Rock is so much higher than I am, my strong-tower, my shelter.
This month I’m intentionally taking at least a few minutes every day to spend time outside. Rest. Refresh. Relax. Recharge. Whether just sitting and observing or listening with my eyes closed or reading, I’ve found a place for my faint heart to let go for a few minutes.
What do you do to find rest? Where do you escape to for a few minutes? If you’re looking for me, I’ll be somewhere outside! 😉
Simply~Cindy
