Finding Peace in God’s Creation: The Joy of Exploring the Holler

In the hustle of modern life, where screens flicker and demands loom large, there is a quiet serenity in the simple things. One of my favorite ways to discover this peace is by riding up and down the holler. As I keep my eyes peeled for wildlife in the ditch lines, I immerse myself in nature's beauty. It's not just about reaching a destination; it's about the slow, deliberate act of appreciating God’s creation and sharing those moments with my children. As the King James Bible reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In the stillness of these rides, we find not only nature’s wonders but also a deeper bond with each other.

The Holler’s Hidden Treasures

Riding Up and Down Holler Roads

A holler, for those unfamiliar, is a narrow valley tucked between hills, often cradling a creek or a muddy ditch. It is a space where life flourishes in overlooked corners. Riding along these winding paths—whether on a bike, an ATV, or even just walking—offers a front-row seat to creation’s small miracles. The ditch lines, often dismissed as mere runoff channels, are alive with creatures that teach us to slow down and look more closely.

The Transformation of Frogs

Take the frog, for example. On a recent ride, my daughter spotted a leopard frog preparing a spot to lay eggs in the lowly ditch line. We stopped, marveling at its delicate limbs and bright eyes. Frogs remind us of transformation—tadpole to amphibian—a living testament to God’s design. Watching that frog, my kids and I discussed how even the smallest creatures have a purpose in God’s plan. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).

A young Leopard Frog... housekeeping

Turtles: A Lesson in Patience

Then there are the turtles, slowly moving along the ditch’s edge or basking on a rock. One day, we found a box turtle with a shell patterned like a mosaic. My daughter gently picked it up, and we admired its quiet determination before setting it back down. Turtles carry their homes on their backs, reminding us of God’s provision. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). In these moments, we see His care in every detail of creation.

Home in tow

Bonding Through Shared Wonder

These rides aren’t just about spotting wildlife; they are opportunities for building bonds with my children. In a world that pulls us in a thousand directions, these simple outings tether us to each other. When we crouch by a ditch, watching a frog leap or a turtle retreat into its shell, we’re not just observers—we’re sharing moments of awe together.

It’s a chance to teach my kids to notice, care, and marvel at God’s handiwork. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). These rides serve as training grounds for wonder and faith.

A quick pet, and send him on his way.

Experiencing Pure Joy

I’ll never forget the time my daughter spotted a pair of frogs mid-leap, chasing each other through the mud. Her laughter rang out, pure and unfiltered, as she described their “race.” We sat there for nearly an hour, creating stories about the frogs’ adventures. Those moments—unplanned and unhurried—knit us closer. They are the kind of memories that linger, far more lasting than any screen time.

Finding God in the Simple Things

The Bible encourages us to find joy in the ordinary and to see God’s glory in the everyday. “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin” (Matthew 6:28). If Jesus draws our attention to the lilies, surely He smiles when we pause for frogs and turtles. Riding through the holler, we’re not merely passing time; we’re adopting a rhythm of gratitude and presence. It reminds us that serenity doesn’t require grand adventures—only open eyes and willing hearts.

Guiding Our Children’s Appreciation for Nature

As parents, we have the responsibility of guiding our children toward what truly matters. In the holler, we teach them to value creation, to slow down, and to listen. We show them that God speaks through small things—a frog’s croak, a turtle’s steady steps, the rustle of leaves in the breeze. “O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches” (Psalm 104:24).

Wonders and treasures are everywhere!

An Invitation to Simplicity

So, the next time life feels heavy, take a ride through your own version of a holler. Look for frogs hopping through the ditch and turtles basking in the sun. Bring your kids along and let the simple things spark wonder. Share stories, laugh, and pause to be thankful for the beauty woven into the ordinary. In those moments, you will find serenity—not just in the wildlife, but in the shared joy of discovery and the quiet assurance of God’s presence.

Let’s cherish these rides, these ditch-line treasures, and the bonds they build. For in the simple things, we find the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7).