Kerby Anderson

Teresa Mull wrote a fascinating article with an intriguing title: “Why lumberjacks are happy and you’re not.” A Bureau of Labor Statistics survey reported that lumberjacks and farmers are the happiest, least stressed, and most fulfilled workers.” The reason is simple: they work outside. It also illustrates that what provides the most joy and satisfaction isn’t manmade.

This is one of the reasons I am such a supporter of Christian camps and any outdoor activity that connects God’s Word with God’s world. Bringing the revelation in Scripture with God’s revelation in nature has such a powerful impact on the lives of those who leave the busy world and get back to nature.

An article in the Washington Post observed: “The most meaningful and happiness-inducing activities were religious and spiritual,” followed by “the second-happiest activity — sports, exercise, and recreation.”

Teresa Mull has also documented in previous articles how the drift away from God and religion and toward secularism is making Americans miserable. Consumerism, technology, sex, and drugs are not bringing us happiness. Numerous studies show that Christian belief and attendance at worship services are key to a happy and flourishing society.

This is not to say that being a lumberjack is all fun (cue the Monty Python lumberjack song), but there is something about getting outdoors even if you don’t plan on cutting down trees or harvesting crops. Other studies show that getting back to nature decreases our stress and increases our attention spans.

We have moved further from our roots and the daily, weekly, and monthly rhythms of life. While we can enjoy the benefits of modern life, these articles remind us of the value of getting back to nature.