Natural Setting #1


Noland Trail

The Noland is a sanctuary within Newport News, a place where I can escape the monotonous city environment. When I walk the trail, I experience an environment in which I can abandon my thoughts of school and stress; I attempt for the short time to "shake the village." Being immersed in the forest, surrounded by the various forms of life, I am able to focus my mind on things beyond myself. When walking, I tend to pick up items to occupy my hands; acorns, leaves, and pieces of bark all capture my interest with their complexity. The intricacy of even the smallest details of these plants astounds me; so much deliberate intention was put into their design, no efforts were spared or corners cut in the invention of this beautiful world. Nature provides me with the deepest sense of connection to my heavenly creator; when I walk through His creation, I cannot help but wonder at the grace and beauty and power of God. Each of His innumerable creations was formed with a specific, unique plan. The Noland provides me with the opportunity to experience this, to remember His magnificence when I so quickly forget it just steps away on campus. 

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