Lance, this was beautifully written.  Well done. 
Nature....I am in awe of it from the tiny to the enormous.  I have both a microscope and a telescope.  I am giddy when I watch the critters dancing in the pond water under my scope and I am overwhelmed at the power of the moons, planets, and stars for us to gaze upon.  
When I connect with nature, I connect with its Creator.  Being surrounded by creation pulls my heart out of my chest and puts me in a place where worship is the only appropriate response.  Our God is creative beyond our imaginations.  The whole earth does declare his Glory doesn't it?