When all of the stresses in this time of Covid threaten to become overwhelming, many of us find some relief and restoration of faith in the natural world.
Fairfax County Parks has been a good Steward of Creation, whether they would word it that way or not. This means that there are extensive wooded parks for the residents of the Vienna/Oakton area to enjoy. And we have been walking and exploring these more than usual, lately.
Every walk we take provides us with an unexpected gift. Recently, we saw a low-flying hawk, barely ten feet away from us, in full pursuit of prey. Stunning! On other days we have seen a determined toad or an elegantly-shelled box turtle, crossing the path in front of us. Once we were surprised by the unexpected sweet smell of a wild native azalea, blooming away in the middle of the forest.
Each of these small events feels like a benediction from God, a small bounty of grace tossed our way.
– The Creation Care Committee