March 23, 2014
Swinging Bridge in Wawona, Yosemite National Park
Total distance walked:  One mile

During a recent homily, our priest spoke about recognizing God’s presence in our lives. This message sparked a conversation between my husband and me. We each experience God’s presence in different ways, whether it’s on the beach by the ocean or in quiet moments of prayer. However, we both agree that we always feel His presence when we are surrounded by nature at Yosemite National Park.

For a quick afternoon adventure, Chris and I took the short trail to Swinging Bridge in Wawona. The bridge, a wooden plank suspension bridge, jostled us as we walked across.

The trail to the bridge was wide, flat, and free of fallen trees. Along the way, we saw manzanita just beginning to bloom, as well as oaks and fragrant pines.

Two deer, their ears twitching, cautiously watched us as we walked by.

The South Fork of the Merced River ran alongside the trail, guiding us to the bridge. Once across, we had the option to continue walking and turn the hike into a four-mile loop, but we didn’t.

I followed Chris across the bridge, then climbed up and over the rocks and boulders to a flat granite slab bathed in sunlight near the water’s edge—a perfect spot for lunch.

Many years the river is full of water and rages over the rocks ultimately making its way to the Pacific Ocean. This year, although the water level was low, the turbulence and sound it created were no less spectacular. Nature’s power is awe-inspiring.

Nature truly reveals the divine. Above us, white clouds drifted slowly across the sky. Below us, the water swirled around the rocky shore, creating fascinating patterns. And all around us, we felt God’s presence.

As my priest mentioned, people experience God in different ways. For Moses, it was the burning bush, for Elijah, a gentle breeze. For me, it’s anywhere I am in the great outdoors. I’m curious, where do you experience God?