no.22 130522 Thank you for the oasis in the desert

From one of my notes, dated Saturday, May 22, 2011 @ Brooklyn Park, NYC

 

Before moving to Toronto, I used to live in the Greater Toronto Area. Unlike Toronto, my old neighbourhood was quiet, nice, clean, and definitely more spacious. Most buildings were two stories high, and the view from my room was great as no tall buildings blocked my view. From time to time I like to get away from the city and the congestion. Living in the GTA, especially in my neighbourhood, I didn't have to go too far. Whenever I needed some fresh air, all I needed to do was step outside. There was no park near my house, but I think the neighbourhood itself was peaceful enough, and certainly not as polluted as the city, that it gave me the comfort and freshness that the nature provides. On some days, I liked to sit down and relax, or lie down on a bench and look at the sky while listening to my ipod playlist. During the night time, I often went out to look at the stars. Yes, there were still lights that interrupted me from seeing the sky clearly, but it wasn't so bad. I enjoyed these alone times to talk to God.

 

When I moved to Toronto, I knew I was gonna miss my old neighbourhood and doing those activities. I was so sure that I won't get to see that many stars as I used to, and I would have to say good-bye to those 'zen moments' outdoors. But I was wrong.  

 

I wasn't feeling that good when I was working out today. I decided to cut it short and go for a walk to get some fresh air. It was my first time walking around the neighbourhood. I purposely refrained from taking a walk in this area because the neighbourhood is crowded with people and cars, especially on the main streets. I took the residential streets instead. There is also a park that is literally a minute walk from my place. I didn't take advantage of the park because the parks in the cities tend to be unclean as they serve as homes to the homeless. But then, I heard people playing baseball from time to time in the park, and when I passed by it today, it didn't look so bad. I decided to visit it on the way home.

 

It took me half an hour to realize how nice my neighbourhood was. Perhaps the atmosphere helped it a lot. It had been raining about an hour ago, and the sky just cleared up. Everthing felt refreshing. Also, I was sweating in the gym, so it definitely felt good. It was still a little humid but it didn't matter because the breeze was nice. It made me feel so good, I was smiling like a crazy person. I talk to myself a lot.. so people on the street might have thought I was weird. But oh well! I was super happy!

On my way back home, I went to explore the park. It had two baseball diamonds and a big tennis court. It also had a short bike path which I found useful. After walking around the path for some time, the beautiful sunset captured my attention. I stood still and gazed at the setting sun. It was too beautiful. At that moment, I had to praise God. I tend to get overwhelmed when I see God's wonderful works in nature. I'm pretty sure most people feel this way when they look at the sunset or the night sky. It makes me realize the God who painted the colourful sky, the God who placed the stars in the sky is my God. God of all creation also created me. And what's more amazing and wonderful is that He loves me.

 

Brooklyn Park in New York, May 22, 2011

Today, I am thankful for not only the beautiful view that I got to see, but I am thankful for the natural scenery in my neighbourhood. When I was thanking God for this at the park, something else crossed my mind. I remember having a similar momement when I was in New York City two years ago. Even the most populous city in the States, provided me with Central Park, Madison Square Garden and Brooklyn Park - a little place of nature when you need a break from the busy city. "Coming to places like this is like finding an oasis in a desert' - I wrote this in my note while looking at the Brooklyn Bridge at the Brooklyn Park, exactly two years ago from today. I know that there will always be a place of comfort and peace that God provides through nature wherever I am. I found it in my new neighbourhood, and even in NYC!