More from Donald Wollenhaupt

I am a retired park ranger, having worked 38 years for the U.S. National Park Service. As a park ranger, my primary assignments were in education and public outreach. However, my other duties included fee collection, campground patrol, resource monitoring, and operation reviews. Working in America’s national parks provided me with many experiences that included enjoying the beauty of the parks, great recreational opportunities, and peace from the stresses of everyday life. In addition, I had the pleasure of helping the public enjoy their visits to our national parks.

From working in the Appalachian mountains in the East to the seashores of Florida and North Carolina, from the desert Southwest to the prairies of the Midwest Plains, my career enabled me to enjoy these natural features that God created. I also grew up and went to college in the Midwest. I have fond memories of the hills and the plains of that region. As much as I enjoyed working in the parks and living in the country, I found that nature itself did not provide the needed answers to life’s struggles. I came to realize that only God’s help could do that. Whether in a national park or in our own backyard, when we look for help, our help comes from the Lord. Only the nearness of God can give us the comfort and peace we seek.

The writer of Psalm 121 wrote of experiencing difficult situations and moments of uncertainty. He realized the importance of depending on God and his need to call upon the Lord for help. As he looked at the nearby hills, he was prompted to call on the Creator of heaven and earth. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2). He felt the nearness of God. When I am in need of help from God, I recall this passage and think about the hills of the American Midwest. I, too, realize my help comes from the Lord.

In my retirement, I have written a book in which I link my experiences in nature with glimpses into God’s character and power. The book explores 52 facets of nature that illustrate practical Biblical principles to live by as we walk with God. It is available through Amazon. You may also contact me at [email protected] if you would like more information on the book or my experiences as a park ranger in America’s national parks. I have been reading The Upper Room since 1975. I am glad to have the opportunity to give back to others with this meditation.