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Nature, (na'tur), n: The universe; the total of all agencies and forces in the creation; the inherent or essential qualities of anything; individual constitution; natural human instincts; reality as distinct from that which is artificial.

What an incredible opportunity we have to just be as we are with a universe, all it's forces and beauty! And how nature has changed as we have evolved, and how so many of us completely take it for granted. This planet of ours has become a changing life form..........and unfortunately we are losing many rare and native plants simply because of human existence. Many scientists believe that logging and clear cutting, to over fishing is leading to the earth's sixth mass extinction. We humans have driven hundreds or thousands, of species to extinction, including the slow-moving dodo bird who have perished sadly because they were unable to escape human hunters. Although some losses may have little impact on our own survival, others could play an important part in future ways in which we live.

It is true that we are interwoven into nature, and if we choose to break our ties to it, it is hard to know how it will effect and unravel the entire fabric of our existence of this planet. That is why conservationists are working feverously to save as many species as possible. I agree with their thoughts that it is irresponsible and thoughtless to destroy life forms that took billions of years of evolution to create.

There was an interesting and inspiring story that made its way to me from a National Geographic published several years ago. This short story provides a penetrating and lasting picture in your mind, even if you cannot see the image that accompanied it. The shortest version of the story goes as follows:

After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live. "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." (Psalm 91:4)

Let us each appreciate what nature offers, honor her, and fall into her beauty to uncover our connection and origin. For more information on conservation, nature and other earth centered topics, refer to the following web sites:

~The World Conservation Union
~Red List of Threatened Species
~The World Wildlife Fund
~Species Survival Commission
~Chattahoochee Nature Center

Keely's Canyon
Acrylic
14 x 16 framed
Original
$500