The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is just up ahead. As humans struggle with this pandemic, the Earth goes on. In no season would this thriving be more evident than in Spring’s dawning. While out for a walk yesterday I came upon the majestic magnolia that bursts into life each year. Its glorious appearance is something I wait for with a growing sense of anticipation and yesterday … there it was.
I’m grateful for the beauty of the Earth in this time of human struggle for beauty not only soothes the soul it is also an effective mediator of wildly opposing forces, apparently.
George Fisher, of Fisher Florist, posts his daily creations. His are the most engaged Facebook posts I see and here’s the thing: the comments are chock full of swooning, oooohhhs and ahhhhs that come from the community’s great expanse of perspective and personality. People who I’ve witnessed in fierce opposition to each other in ways that aren’t so pretty, are in absolute agreement about the pretty flowers. Perhaps the flowers and all of the natural world’s beauty will save us. (I recently suggested to my parents that ice cream will save us. I’m willing to give it a try.)
Actually, in the midst of this previously unimaginable human suffering the Earth is thriving. The Himalayas are visible for the first time in many years. Swans are swimming in Venice’s canals. Underwater animals are flourishing because of reduced stress levels. Alleluia! Alas, scientists warn that the current thriving will not hold once humans go back to “life as usual”.
But at least for now, we rest in the peace of the natural world. We sing out, “For the beauty of the Earth, for the splendor of the skies, for the love which from our birth, over and around us lies. Source of all to thee we praise, this our hymn of grateful praise.”
Thrive on, Mother Earth. Thrive on, Dear Souls.
With Love and blessings,
Carolyn
Submitted by Carolyn Patierno on Oct 15, 2020
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