Dear Lord, when we venture on a hiking trail,

grant us the ability to appreciate - never to fail

in showing our gratitude and admiration

for the beauty and multitude of Your creation!

You gave it to us to rule and to enjoy,

to treasure and cherish but never to destroy!

Teach us how to love and how to share -

never to forget to preserve and to care.

Show us to use all our senses to observe

the diversity of nature - although we do not deserve

to be blessed with so much unconditional love

that You, Dear Father, bestow upon us from above.

Forgive insensitive behaviour that we ought to dread,

when we foolishly rush in where angels fear to tread.

Make us humble as we bow our heads in shame.

Dear Lord, we love You and praise Your name!


Lina Swanepoel