Giving Thanks for the Wonders of Creation

In September, at the start of the Season of Creation, I invited you to share photos or stories of moments when you - whether on a walk or hike or sitting on your balcony - felt connected to the natural world and experienced a sense awe or wonder of the earth as a holy place.

Marianne and Wayne C. sent us this note and a photo from their travels:

On our travels through the mountains and valleys of the European Alps we have many moments of wonder and amazement. Yesterday was particularly special. We were hiking in view of the  Matterhorn and came across this plaque with a quote from Paul Gerhardt, the German theologian, Pastor and hymn writer. (see picture in the gallery.)  

Here is the English translation of the verse from Psalm 136 -

Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good. For God's mercy endures forever.

Perhaps one of our German native speakers can help identify the hymn by Paul Gerhardt quoted in the plaque. 

Tanya B. also sent us a couple of snaps of a beautiful vista and a feathered friend from her hike to Quarry Rock and the fall colors are from a walk in my neighborhood in Tsawwassen.