Slideshow image

Season of Creation


Have you ever gone for a walk in the woods and had the feeling that you were being watched? You probably were! Here is this week’s nature pic for this Season of Creation. I took this picture when Allan and I were out on a walk in Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary. This little weasel was keeping a close eye on us. It wasn’t until after I looked at this picture that I realized how camouflaged he is in his environment. It is easy to miss the variety of wildlife around us, and yet it is so important that we pay attention to our surroundings and respect all our connections with the natural world.

We are fortunate to have these natural sanctuary spaces all around us. Even though the Gaetz Lakes area is identified as a migratory bird sanctuary, it is home to a great diversity of wildlife. The trails and viewing platforms give us a wonderful opportunity to experience the wilds of our own backyards. The original meaning of the word sanctuary refers to a sacred or holy place. We have added to that meaning over the years to include spaces of safety or refuge. It truly feels as though we are on sacred ground when we take time to acknowledge and give thanks for creation, in creation.


This week we experienced another natural sanctuary as we gathered in Coronation Park for Wild Church. We had a great turnout from both Gaetz and Sunnybrook. We rested and worshipped in the “wild” and took in the wisdom of the Gospel of Nature. We also recognized the season by acknowledging the Autumnal Equinox (Sept. 22) as a time of balance, harmony, and transition. This is a time of learning and of preparation for the coming season.

Our next outdoor sanctuary experience will be on Sunday afternoon, October
5 from 2:00 to 4:00, for Arts in the Sanctuary at Kerry Wood Nature Centre. I
hope you can join us then.

Peace and Joy,

Nancy