Parks

Praise Prompts #6

For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.

Psalm 95:3-5

If I wasn’t in love with alliteration, I would name this praise prompt Nature. From the first garden God planted to our compromised world today, the beauty of creation feeds our souls, and will continue to do so in our eternal home. Something happens when we spend time in nature—our spirits lift, our hearts feel happy, and we’re prompted to praise the One who masterminded it all.

New Jersey truly is the Garden State and offers a diversity of parks to choose from (as is true in every state). With mountains, woodlands, lakes, and the Atlantic, our parks will stir worship in your heart. Here are a few to visit:

• High Point State Park in Wantage offers a spectacular view from the Kittatinny Mountains’ highest point in New Jersey. The ride there winds through farm land and is particularly beautiful in the fall. Admission is free for the 2022 season, with a minimal fee to climb the 220 foot monument from which you can view the Pocono and Catskill mountains.
  
• Prefer the ocean? Island Beach State Park is a ten-mile ocean stretch with eight trails, each under a mile. Experience the sight and sound of waves crashing while exploring sand dunes and discovering the beauty of coastal life. This park also offers free admission.
  
• Ramapo Reservation boasts a lower lake for a simple walk, an upper lake for hikers, and a lovely waterfall that is easily assessable. The woodland, flowing stream, lakes, and waterfall are peaceful and inspiring, delightful to eyes and ears. Admission may be limited on weekends due to the park’s popularity but Campgaw Mountain Reservation is nearby. Other suggestions are Ringwood State Park and the State Botanical Garden.

I could list more, but you can do your own search for state parks in New Jersey, or any state. The point is… time spent in nature revives us and refreshes our perspective. When we not only take in the natural beauty but know Who to thank, our hearts are prompted to praise.

*I took this picture at Dingmans Falls in Pennsylvania. A short walk on a boardwalk trail ends at this stunning sight with an option to climb to the top of the falls. Nearby is Grey Towers National Historic Site.