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Across the Pastor’s Desk by Michael Mandsager

When my April and I got married 15 years ago, a dear friend gave us a Bible as a gift. Both of us already had Bibles of course, but not like this one. It was called The Green Bible.

You may have seen red-letter Bibles, with all the words of Jesus in red. This is a green-letter Bible, with passages that speak of the natural environment — and there are a lot of them — highlighted in green.

One of those passages is part of the gospel read in many churches this coming Sunday:

“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while.” — Mark 6:31

Minnesotans certainly understand the importance of getting out in nature for a time of rest. Many families are fortunate enough to have access to lake cabins —so many, in fact, that we Minnesotans speak of going to “the cabin” and “the lake” as if there were only one, and everyone knows what we are talking about. We love to get out to the cabin, go camping or just to get out in nature. We don’t even have to go very far or for very long.

Woods, parks and green spaces are never far away.

Since joining St. John’s Lutheran Community in the spring of this year, I have been continually struck by the natural beauty of our two campuses and of the whole city of Albert Lea: the mature trees, the many species of birds ranging from barn swallows to bald eagles, and, of course, the lakes.

Here, one can get away in nature and rest just by stepping out the door.

God created nature for us to preserve and enjoy, and God continues to invite us to get away into quiet places and rest a while. Wherever you find yourself in nature this summer, may

God give you times of peace and rejuvenation.

Michael Mandsager is chaplain at St. John’s Lutheran Community.