On March 21, a few days before MN Gov. Walz ordered “Shelter in place” due to COVID-19, and our daughter Olivia’s 15th birthday, we decided as a family to start hiking each weekend. The idea was to visit a different State Park or National Forest each weekend, usually on Saturdays, and enjoy time together as a family and enjoy God’s creation. If we cannot be inside church for worship, we can be outside for worship and appreciate the beautiful of nature and all that God has made. We started with Eagle Mountain, which is the highest natural point (2,301 ft) in Minnesota. The trail entrance is located near Tofte, MN in the Superior National Forest, on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). We hiked the 3 1/2 mile trail, each way, taking our time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and most important giving thanks to God.
Job 12:7-10 – But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
After Eagle Mountain, we visited Itasca, Wild River, Fort Ridgely, Lake Maria, Sibley, and Afton State Park. Each have awesome trails and unique features such as rivers, ponds, lakes, trees, plants, and more. We encountered other hikers and shared greetings, while practicing social distancing, and enjoyed time together as family. It is good to be outside and to appreciate all that God has made!
Spring is here now. And although our schedule has changed to working in the garden and preparing for the summer months, and end of school year, we will continue our family hike each weekend, when possible, and worship God together and give thanks for creation. And pray for a time when we may resume church in person at Grace Lutheran and reconnect!
Psalm 96:11-12 – Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad, let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
- Scott Lien is a member of Grace, a part of SALT ministry, and a Sunday School teacher
