Finding Peace in Creation When Life Feels Too Busy

Editor’s note – JM Troppello’s reflection is a simple one: a walk, a blue sky, two psalms, and a reminder that God hasn’t gone anywhere even when the calendar gets crowded. We’re running it because most of us don’t need a complicated theology to feel distant from God – we need a crowded weekend, a long to-do list, and a forgotten sky. She gives us permission to notice Him again in something as small as looking up.

A Beautiful Day for a Walk

I went for a walk today, and it was absolutely beautiful outside.

The sky was such a brilliant blue, with big white clouds scattered across it. I took several pictures while I was walking because it was one of those days when God’s creation seemed especially beautiful. I’m planning to share some of those photos with this article because they capture a little of what I saw along the way.

As I walked, I listened to worship music and allowed myself to slow down. It was exactly what I needed.

Finding a Quiet Moment After a Busy Weekend

This weekend was a little crazy for us.

On Saturday, my husband and I helped my mother-in-law with a few things. She’s already moved into her new apartment, but she still has things to finish as she continues settling in.

Then on Sunday, we were helping my mom, who is also preparing to move. A lot has been happening with our families lately. We’ve been trying to help where we can while also keeping up with our normal work and responsibilities.

I’m thankful we can be there for our families, but busy seasons can still be tiring. That’s one reason today’s walk felt so refreshing. I wasn’t trying to accomplish anything complicated. I was walking. I was getting some exercise. I was listening to worship music. And I was looking up at that beautiful blue sky.

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.”

I’ve always loved seeing God through His creation. Whether it’s a beautiful sky, trees moving in the breeze, a creek, flowers, or one of those incredible sunsets that makes you stop what you’re doing, creation continually reminds me of the greatness of the God who made it all.

Today, I needed that reminder.

Editor’s note – Psalm 19 has said the same thing for three thousand years: creation preaches without saying a word. It’s worth noticing that the sermon doesn’t stop when we’re busy – it’s only our attention that does.

God Is Still My Rock

As I walked, I kept thinking about how God is in control.

A lot of moving pieces are in our lives right now. Family changes are happening, responsibilities need our attention, work needs to be done, and the normal unexpected things come with everyday life. But none of those things change who God is.

Psalm 62:6 says, “He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.”

God is my rock. He’s my peace. And when everything around me feels busy, I can come back to that truth.

➡️I don’t have to have everything figured out today.

➡️I don’t need to know exactly how every situation is going to work out.

➡️I can do what God has given me to do today and trust Him with everything else.

My husband called during his lunch break while I was out, and we talked for a little while. I told him that I’ve lost another three and a half pounds over the last three weeks.

I’ve been trying to stay consistent with walking during the week and doing my lymphatic Pilates at night. I’ve been feeling good, and I’m thankful to see that consistency making a difference.

Our conversation eventually came back to how thankful we both are that God has been with us and our family through everything that’s been happening. There are changes. There are busy weekends. There are things we need to work through.

But God has remained faithful through it all.

Editor’s note – That’s the heart of Psalm 62: not that the chaos disappears, but that God doesn’t move while it swirls around us. Trusting Him with what we can’t control isn’t passive resignation – it’s the most honest kind of faith.

I Needed to Look Up

I think that’s what I appreciated most about my walk today. It gave me an opportunity to look up.

Literally.

Instead of looking at a screen, my to-do list, or the next thing I needed to do, I was looking at the sky.

And spiritually, I was looking up too.

I was redirecting my attention toward God. There’s nothing particularly complicated about taking a walk while listening to worship music. But I think God can meet us in those simple moments when we’re willing to slow down enough to recognize His presence.

I could see His creativity all around me. I could worship Him through the music I was listening to. I could thank Him for the progress I’ve been making personally. I could thank Him for my husband. I could thank Him that we’re able to help our families.

And I could remind myself again that the God who created that incredible blue sky is also the God who cares about every detail of our lives. That puts things into perspective for me. After a busy weekend, I didn’t need anything elaborate today.

◾I needed some fresh air.

◾I needed worship.

◾I needed movement.

◾I needed to look at God’s creation.

And I needed to remember that He is still my rock.

There will always be something else to do. Responsibilities will always compete for our attention, and there will be seasons when life feels busier than others. But I don’t want to become so busy living my life that I forget to notice the God who gave it to me.

Today, He reminded me to look up. I’m glad I did.

How was your weekend? Has God been speaking something specific to your heart lately, perhaps through an ordinary moment you almost could have missed?

A Word from the Editor
Psalm 46 says, “Be still, and know that I am God” – not because stillness is easy, but because it’s where we remember who’s actually carrying the weight. JM’s walk is a small picture of a large truth: God doesn’t need us to have it figured out. He just asks us to look up.

Editor Comment: Thank you for this gentle reminder that even a simple walk outdoors can realign our hearts toward God's steady presence in busy seasons.

This article appeared on Medium and is reprinted with modifications and by permission.