Finding God in Nature: Our RV Trip to Fishers, Indiana and What Sacred Pathways Taught Me About Worship

How one weekend RV getaway helped me rediscover God’s presence, understand my worship style, and reconnect with my family.

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When the Soul Needs to Breathe Again

Sometimes you just know it’s time to get away. 

Between homeschooling, college courses, mission work, everyday life in Indiana, and family schedules, our hearts were craving different. 

So we packed up our RV and headed south for a weekend near Fishers, Indiana — a little trip to refresh, reconnect, and refocus on God.

RV travel has become a special part of our family story over the past few years.

It’s how this blog began, and it’s often where God meets me most clearly—on the open road, under a wide sky.

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What Sacred Pathways Taught Me About How I Worship

On this trip, I started reading Sacred Pathways by Gary L. Thomas. It changed how I see myself and how I understand others in their walk with God.

Thomas describes different ways people naturally connect with God—what he calls “sacred pathways.”

I quickly discovered that I’m a Naturalist, someone who meets God best outdoors.

“We cannot receive, however, unless we set aside time for God to speak—and then let Him set the agenda for our discussion.” — Gary L. Thomas, Sacred Pathways

For me, nature is a sanctuary. I wish every church service could be outside! When I see deer wander near our campsite, it feels like a love note from God.

The book also opened my eyes to my own blind spots. 

I realized I haven’t always appreciated how others connect with God — whether it’s Traditionalists who find meaning in liturgy, Sensates who experience Him through beauty, or Caregivers who feel closest when serving others.

Just as I spend my day differently with each of my children based on their personalities, God meets each of us in the way He made us. 

Thomas reminds us that there are many ways to meet God:

• Naturalists – Draw close through nature and creation.

• Sensates – Experience God through art, music, and beauty.

• Traditionalists – Worship through ritual, liturgy, and sacred practices.

• Ascetics – Seek God in silence, solitude, and simplicity.

• Activists – Serve God through justice, mercy, and action.

• Contemplatives – Connect through prayer, meditation, and reflection.

• Caregivers – Encounter God by helping and nurturing others.

• Enthusiasts – Worship with celebration, joy, and exuberance.

• Intellectuals – Engage God through learning, study, and deep thinking.

While I thrive in nature, I’ve learned that worship can happen anywhere — on a trail, in a quiet room, or even in a lively church service. 

Each pathway is a beautiful way to encounter God.

Which one do you think you are? Or maybe you see yourself in more than one!

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RV Camping at White River Campground: Finding Rest in God’s Creation

We camped at White River Campground, just outside Fishers, and it was incredible—cement pads, full hookups, and peaceful trails that wind through the fields.

One trail even led us into the small town of Cicero, Indiana, where we discovered great BBQ, dark coffee, and artsy shops. 

I loved reading outside, taking long walks, and simply breathing in the quiet.

At one point, we met an Icelandic horse on the trail. Even though I’m terribly allergic, I couldn’t resist petting him.

It felt like one of those sweet “God moments” in nature—a reminder that He delights in our joy.

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A Family Stop at Ball State University

Our main purpose for this trip was to tour Ball State University for my daughter and then see Crowder in concert.

Ball State was eye-opening. 

I was struck by how many students walked around glued to their phones. It made the campus feel quiet—almost disconnected. 

But then we saw architecture students outside sketching, and that re-ignited my daughter’s love for art.

She’s a natural artist, and seeing creativity in action inspired her all over again. 

I loved exploring the archaeology exhibits in the Fine Arts building too. (Fun fact: many secular archaeologists reference the Bible because it’s proven to be a reliable historical source.)

In the end, my husband and daughter really enjoyed Ball State; my son and I were less impressed—but that pretty much fits our personalities!

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Crowder Concert in Fishers: Worship and Full-Circle Moments

That evening we went to the Crowder concert at the Fishers Event Center, and it was one big worship service. 

Crowder headlined, and Louie Giglio shared an amazing message that reframed the creation story through the lens of the gospel.

It hit me that I saw the David Crowder Band when I was my daughter’s age—and now here she was, worshiping along with Crowder herself. 

Full circle moment.

As we left, venue staff commented that they’d never met such kind and joyful concertgoers. 

That’s the Kingdom of God on display.

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Why We Need to Step Away and Recenter

This trip reminded me how essential it is to step out of our routines.

To rest, reflect, and remember who we are in Christ.

For me, being a Naturalist means I recharge outdoors, but I also have to guard against isolation. Church isn’t about the building, it’s about the people. 

Still, time in creation fills me so I can return to community with joy and authenticity.

As 1 John 1:5-7 says,

“If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.”

And Philippians 4:8-9 reminds us to fix our thoughts on what is true, noble, and lovely—something nature helps me do daily.

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Final Thoughts: Your Pathway to God

God designed each of us with a unique way to connect with Him. 

Don’t fight your wiring; celebrate it. 

And don’t judge others for theirs. 

When we embrace the diversity of worship styles—indoors and outdoors, loud and quiet—the Body of Christ becomes stronger.

So step outside, look up, and ask:

“How has God made me to meet Him today?”

Then meet Him there—in gratitude, in awe, in love.

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A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

 

Thank You for the beauty of Your creation and the different ways You invite us to worship You. Refresh our souls in Your presence; whether in a forest, a church pew, or around a campfire. Help us to see others’ pathways with grace, and may our lives bring You glory in all we do.

 

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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