What I did this summer.

Here it is, my annual throwback to that dreaded (then but not now) back-to-school moment, the “What I did this summer” writing assignment.  

Our summer holiday plan was to travel to Newfoundland via the Marine Atlantic ferries that sail between North Sydney, NS and Port aux Basques, NL.  Two observations here.  First, just getting there is a lot of driving. Second, even though the ferry is a big boat, it doesn’t mean you won’t feel its movement as it bobs its way through 3m waves and 20 kmh winds.  

How would I describe Newfoundland?  Take two parts of the Muskokas and Kawarthas, one part Blue Ridge Mountains, and shake vigorously for a few moments.  Then add one part of an enhancing steroid to supersize it and shake again for another few moments.  That is the best description I can give.  The roads go through deep rock-cuts.  The hills are covered in birch and pine trees.  The hills are steep.  Finger lakes dot the landscape.  Every corner triggers yet another, “WOW!”  I gave up trying to use a diversity of exclamations.  It all came down to that simple word.

Everything you have heard about Newfoundlanders’ friendliness is true.  Theirs is a quiet warmth;  seldom did they initiate conversations about, “Where are you from, love?”  If a conversation started about anything, they were engaging and patient to chat.  

We never did see a moose.  Did you know they were an invasive species in Newfoundland, introduced intentionally in 1905?  Nor did we see deer or caribou.  Or bears.  Or any other four-legged mammal.  We did see more than our share of mosquitos and blackflies approximately the same size as moose, deer, caribou, and bears.

The topography and geography of the west coast tablelands is astounding.  I don’t understand all the geological details, but I did learn that the mantle of the earth pokes through the earth’s crust there.  The types of rocks you see are unique.  It is one of a few places in the entire globe where this phenomena can be observed and has helped scientists better understand things like tectonic forces and continental drift.

All I know for sure is that I couldn’t stop saying, “Wow!”

For the first part of the trip we set up camp in Gros Morne National Park.  We explored the many little communities that dot the west coast, from Woody Point to Cow Head.  Yes, that is what it is called.

I didn’t realize how much further north we would be relative to our home here.  By 4AM the tent was getting light enough to read.  I enjoyed the early morning coffees made on our Coleman stove and consumed in our bug shelter (a must!!).  I may have been the first person up in the park.  It was a great time to read and appreciate the beauty of God’s creative handiwork.

Did the young shepherd, David, enjoy camping?  I have no idea but sleeping in the great outdoors undoubtedly influenced these memorable lines:

When I look at your heavens, 
the work of your fingers, 
the moon and the stars, 
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him, 
and the son of man that you care for him? (Psa. 8:3-4 ESV)

Or, 

The heavens declare the glory of God, 
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech, 
and night to night reveals knowledge. (Psa. 19:1-2 ESV)

I know not everyone cherishes sleeping in a tent. Regardless of how you enjoy it, taking time to immerse in the beauty of God’s natural creation is time well-spent.  Time in the natural world is a great reset for our perspective.  As David observed, there are a lot of things out there bigger than we are . . . yet it is us - people, His image-bearers - that are the objects of His love and redemptive work.  

Newfoundland reminds me of the diversity of God’s creation.  Most of it wowed and refreshed me (but not the bug part).  If you have never been, put it on your bucket list.  Even if camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of cabins, B&Bs, and hotels to accommodate you.  Regardless of where you put your head at night, the quiet majesty of the landscape will renew your heart.  

If you can’t make it there, spend a few minutes on the Bruce trail, or find a park, or sit on the shores of a lake.  The beauty and rhythms of the Creator as seen in His craftsmanship resets our perspective and reminds us of the unfathomable depths of His love for us!  If He invests so deeply in the details of the natural world, how much more does He invest in us (Matt. 6:26)?