HIKING, WALKS, AND REFLECTIVE ACTIVITIES

One way to nurture your soul, whether you’re walking alone or with your family, is to read scripture and reflect as you participate in this outdoor activity among the magnificence of God’s creation.

Scripture to read before a SoulCARE Hike:

Genesis 1
How can we find nurture and renewal for our souls in appreciating and caring for creation?

Psalm 96
Can you hear the meadows, hills and trees singing with joy?  Take a moment to reflect on the rhythm of God’s creative and sustaining life in creation.

Matthew 6:25-34
What does Jesus’ teaching about God’s care for creation mean for our own lives as we deal with anxiety and stress?

Treasure Hikes for Families

Bring along a plastic recyclable bag and tell your children that we are going to look for special treasures that God has made.  The parent should be the first one to find a treasure and put it in your bag.  Share it with your children and let them look at it as you explain why you picked it up.   When your children find a treasure, take a moment to gaze at it with them.  Let them show you the wonder of “childlikeness” as together you discover God’s creation in the smallest treasure. 

Take the ‘Creation Treasure’ home and set up a simple family altar with every person’s treasure.   Read Psalm 96:11-13 together and light a candle.  Let each family member share a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s creation with the parent leading and closing.  Slow down…and celebrate God’s goodness that reminds us of his love and care for us.

The following county and regional parks provide a wonderful opportunity to meander or hike for exercise through meadows, hills and woods, or along the Potomac River.

The following are some local favorites for beautiful walks and hikes:
Algonkian Regional Park - Cascades
Balls Bluff Regional Park – Leesburg
Red Rock Regional Park – Leesburg
The W&OD Hiking and Biking Trail
For directions to these Loudoun County Parks visit: www.loudoun..vhost.vipnet.org/services/parks.htm

For information and directions for all Northern Parks please visit:  www.nvrpa.org