The Nature of You
It’s been a long winter here in Minnesota, but temperatures are finally warming, and signs of spring are starting to appear. It warms my heart when I look outside and see my wife replenishing the bird feeders in our yard—without winter boots or layered winter clothing! This morning I sat quietly as a finch warbled and grazed at the bird feeder on the other side of the window, just a few feet away from me.
Several years ago, I would have rushed past this scene, thinking only about upcoming meetings and things that had to get done. The result of my hurried pace was stress, rising blood pressure, and growing emotional depletion. I arrived at a point where I knew I had to step away, get outside, and simply absorb more of God and the beauty He created or me to enjoy— just beyond my door.
The song “The Nature of You” came out of this time. I was deeply inspired by the majestic, natural scenery that our family experienced during a week at Yellowstone National Park. During that time, I was also reflecting on Psalm 8, which points to God’s beauty revealed in creation as well as his care and love for people. The net result of that time was a replenished heart and mind, and a fresh flowing of creativity that birthed the song “The Nature of You.”
I hope that during the coming season you can turn off the mobile phone, put aside the electronic devices, step back from the frantic pace, and allow God to replenish you through time in His creation, His Word, and with loved ones He has placed in your life.
Enjoy this new video of the original song “The Nature of You”.
God bless you!
Chris Atkins