In conversation it is always interesting to hear of where others feel close to God. There seems to be a wide range of experiences, whether it be church, the beach, going on a walk, the bush. I’m sure you have your own special place where you feel closest to God.
My special place is in the beauty of nature – whether it be the bush or a well tended garden. It is in these places that I truly appreciate God as creator and also the relationship I have with Him.
Recently I came across a hymn (which I have never heard before) which for me, provided me with a beautiful illustration of the relationship one may have with God in their ‘special’ place. The hymn was one sung at my grandson’s baptism in Canada a few weeks ago and the words are hauntingly beautiful as they describe the one-on-one time we can have with God.
The hymn, apparently is very popular in Nth America and is titled, ‘In the Garden’. The words are:
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
None other has ever known
I pray that you can talk with God the way it is expressed in this hymn; that you can walk with and talk to Him and feel that joy and comfort we have by being in His presence.
Blessings,
Shane Paterson
Director: Leadership & School Improvement
