2020 has been a challenging year, and for us in the Bay area, we currently have orange skies and smell of smoke swirling outside from wildfires that started with lightening storm this past weekend. It’s easy to feel hopeless in all the bad news and fear of the future.

But a source of peace for me is being around trees and living things that ask nothing of me. When I feel discouraged, turning to God’s creation shows me his goodness, depth and breath of his glory, and his endless creativity that he holds together. In recent months, our family has turned to walks outdoors to spend time together and do something other than stay indoors (although this activity will be postponed until the air quality improves). We come home in better spirits and big smiles from soaking in the beauty of trees, rocks, sightings of critters, and unexpected discoveries.

In the meantime, here are some pictures from our various outings in the past year. These images spark serenity to me: a little world unto itself. Hope you all find moments of serenity and time to savor God’s marvelous creations.

Thanks citysonnet for this photography challenge!