Lessons from Nature – Inspirational Musings of Mike Shelton

Inner Reflection

39 years ago while on a mission for my church in South Korea, my grandfather wrote me a letter and asked if I was someone who set goals at the beginning of the year to accomplish something or someone who was content in trying to do their best throughout the year. I am more ofContinue reading “Inner Reflection”

There are no dead ends

The other day while hiking I came to the end of a path and it just stopped. The all-trails map I had on my phone said it continued on; connecting with another path in just a short distance. I turned a different way down another dirt forest road thinking I might have made a mistake,Continue reading “There are no dead ends”

Through the Fog

The last few weeks I have gone hiking twice where it became foggy around me. As I did so I was reminded of an experience I had years ago while living in Southern California. At the time, I was only living a few miles from where I worked in a small business complex. As IContinue reading “Through the Fog”

Renewal

A year ago we had some horrendous fires east of us here in Oregon. It burned over 1 million acres, including a lot of my favorite hiking places as it destroyed small towns, upheaved peoples lives, and devastated such a large area. This last week I participated in a service project at church to helpContinue reading “Renewal”

Take a Step

Nature has a way of helping me to strive to be better. On my hikes I always marvel at the majestic beauty around me. The tall and straight trees, amazing mountains, and inspiring waterfalls always instill in me the desire to do better. A few weeks ago we stopped by Smith Rock (East of SistersContinue reading “Take a Step”

Cohesion and Unity

We can learn many things from nature. One is cohesion and unity. The beauty in nature is not because everything is the same but happens because everything is different. And these differences work together to create harmony, unity, and beauty. Each plant, no matter how small or large helps to create the whole picture. EachContinue reading “Cohesion and Unity”

Nurse Logs

Do you ever feel that you are too tired, old, or worn out to help others? Every time I go hiking I am enthralled by nurse logs. A nurse log is one in which a tree has died, fallen over, or been damaged—but other plants, trees, and bushes grow out of it. A nurse logContinue reading “Nurse Logs”

Be in the Moment

Last week I went on a late afternoon hike to a place I have been before. It’s about three miles up and back—not too long, but full of amazing scenery. I got up to the top of the trail where I could look out and see miles and miles of forest all the way toContinue reading “Be in the Moment”

Perspective

One thing I really like about hiking is the perspective it gives me. Standing on top of a tall mountain and seeing for miles and miles helps me to realize the vastness of the world and my small place in it. I don’t mean to say that what we do or who we are doesn’tContinue reading “Perspective”

Spring is Here

I think spring is one of my favorite times of year. After the long, rainy, dark winter comes a feeling of anticipation and hope of brighter and warmer days. Early spring flowers such as daffodils and crocus get me excited for trees blooming, bluer skies, and more opportunities to go hiking. Here comes the sunContinue reading “Spring is Here”