city sickness

In the 21st century, societies are so urbanized that people become more and more distant from the vastness of the world we inhibit. Places that we used to call home are now mysterious and foreign areas that only the most extreme occasional visit. It is because of this mentality that many lessons and opportunities for growth that can be experienced by being outside are lost. Lost to deadlines, cell phones, meetings, and television. Perhaps the reason for this epidemic is that people are intimidated by the unknown, are fighting against complacency, or working towards that next promotion that has become number one on the priority ladder. Maybe though it is simply because they have not experienced the fruitfulness of being still and surrounded by unimaginable beauty. Have not smelled the rich pine or the oncoming storm. Have not felt the crunch of a heavy snow under their feet or the mountain breeze glide over their face. These are things that cannot be experienced in a cubical or by watching Survivor. The benefits of seeking a true wilderness experience are unfathomable. Being forced to look inward because of what is outward. Exercising the mind and the body. Achieving something substantial that previously looked impossible. Perhaps most of all though is the opportunity to enter into a new spiritual endeavor with our Creator. We say, "that film was awesome" or "that piece of music was awesome." No, no. Only He is awesome, and it is when as mortal beings we slow down and put ourselves in a position to humbly admire what is outside of the office building that we can truly say, "that is awesome." As the explorer and spiritual writer Sir Francis Younghusband so eloquently spoke, "It is because they have so much to give and give it so lavishly...that men love the mountains and go back to them again and again." So go. Explore. Be challenged. And meet the Creator where He is most easily seen.