Char-Mar Ridge Cathedral in Westerville

One of my greatest blessings is taking my morning walk in Char-Mar Ridge Cathedral.  I know it is usually called Char-Mar Ridge Park, but there are some mornings it just looks like a cathedral.  It is so beautiful and I worship and praise God as I walk.  I listen to some Christian music on my iPhone and even sing along when no one else is in sight.

In the summer, Char-Mar Ridge Cathedral is a busy place.  Between the birds, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, people and dogs, there is a sizable congregation worshipping together.  The rest of the year there are mornings where I seem to be the only congregant.  It doesn’t matter.  As the light streams through the leaves or filters through bare branches, I am amazed at the beauty of creation.  God’s fingerprints are all over his creation in the cathedral.

One of my favorite poems is this Emily Dickinson poem:

Some keep the Sabbath going to Church –
I keep it, staying at Home –
With a Bobolink for a Chorister –
And an Orchard, for a Dome –
Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice –
I, just wear my Wings –
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton – sings.
God preaches, a noted Clergyman –
And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at last –
I’m going, all along.
Every morning, as I walk in Char-Mar Ridge Cathedral, I am reminded that this earthly beauty is just a foretaste of heavenly beauty.  When I am disappointed in a sermon at church, I remember the sermons that God preaches as I walk.  I thank God that I have this blessed, beautiful place to walk.  Every morning I arise, eager to worship once more.
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.
Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes
Psalm 96:11-13a
Where do you see God?  Do you have a favorite place, outside a church building, where you worship?