When I drive across the Ocean City causeway to the mainland I never cease to be in awe of the ever-changing beauty of the bay, its islands and channels. The sky’s variety throughout the day this time of year and the play of light on the water makes the simply beautiful into the absolutely spectacular. My husband Neil can verify that I seldom cross the bridge without stating what a privilege it is for us to live in such a lovely area.

When I view the bay and ocean surrounding me the song that often comes to mind (and sometimes to my lips) is “How Great Thou Art.” A song that melodically relates all of nature speaks to us of the magnificence of our God and the wonders He created for our enjoyment. How blessed we are to be able to live in these glorious surroundings that He designed for us.

Cape May County is full of jewels set in the stunningly beautiful crown of South Jersey. A few years ago Neil and I took advantage of some lovely early spring weather to bike around the city of Cape May. What a delightful city full of gorgeous architecture. To see and learn about this particular jewel Neil and I have taken several of the MAC trolley tours together with friends and family. Each tour was enjoyable and informative, with the beauty and history of the city brought front and center.

As we toured Cape May we visited an area where early freed slaves lived, and we were privileged to tour the minister’s home, which still stands. Many of the churches in our county date back into the last century or even earlier.

Faith in our Lord is yet another jewel found all around us in each of the lovely hamlets and towns in our county as they celebrate the men who founded them. For example, Ocean City was founded as a religious camp meeting by four Methodist ministers. As Neil and I traveled around the county we visited at least two other camp meeting locations that are still active and spreading the wonderful words of our Creator God and Jesus our Savior.

As we found the opportunity and time, Neil and I have visited many of the towns in South Jersey and have found that each has its own special gem-like sparkle. All contain natural wonders that are available to view for the small price of a car trip – something Neil and I very much enjoy. The numerous museums spread throughout the towns tell of our proud (and occasionally embarrassing) heritage here in Cape May County. For such a small area we have very informative and well-designed historical museums aplenty.

One of the other jewels we enjoy visiting off-season is the Cape May County Zoo. Our zoo is truly outstanding, and it gives everyone who visits an education about the animals as well as a fun day in a beautifully well-kept location. I think of my creative niece, who teaches young children in Texas at a wildlife center. She shares information about the various animals A to Z with crafts and stories that entertain and inform. The staff at our zoo have the very same goals – to teach young and old to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of God’s creatures and hopefully to enjoy them as much as the zoo staff does.

Here in Ocean City and across the county there are many playgrounds, parks and recreation fields. Adding these man-made accouterments to our plentiful beaches and bay activities means that every single active resident and visitor can be entertained either by nature or organized sports somewhere close by.

We live in a beautiful place, and I have to admit that I enjoy having it to ourselves for several months during the year, even as I look forward to the reopening of my favorite spots that shutter during the off-season.

Spring includes the stretch of months when I get to enjoy each of the jewels Cape May County has to offer – including our backyard. The first day of March this year, Neil and I sat out on our patio basking in the 66-degree warmth of the sun. There we watched the birds at the feeder and noted the daffodil and crocus buds peaking up out of the ground, gently whispering that full spring is on its way. Yes, I believed them, too, but of course, if you remember, the next day the temperature was 38.

Neil and I love living in Cape May County, enjoying what God has given us in His natural wonders. I pray that you too will enjoy all that God has provided in our special gem.

Editor’s note: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.