​10 Green Commitments 

 

Nature is indeed a miracle. Consider the intricacy of the atom, the order in the periodic table of elements, the vast richness of stars in the cosmos and the diversity of wildlife from the majestic elephant to the humble bumblebee collecting pollen and the ant cleaning up debris. Look at the massive yet graceful giant blue whale and the deep sea angler fish equipped with its own luminescence, flora from the tall redwood to a bushel of wheat, or the myriad flowers, birds and butterflies. Appreciate the beauty of an unspoilt beach or rainforest or snow-capped mountain or waterfall or river gorge or lake or desolate desert. Marvel at the migration of a monarch butterfly which flies 3000 miles from Canada to Mexico or the mysterious long fin eel that can live to a 100 years and migrates to Tonga to lay eggs, the larvae of which drift back to New Zealand on currents (4). Equally amazing is the Amur falcon which undertakes an annual round trip of 22 000 kilometres from Manchuria to parts of southern Africa (4). Wonder at the uniqueness of the four seasons, each with its vital contribution to the cycle of life.   And these are only a few of the natural treasures in the world.  

 

Trees are the backbone, the essence of life. They give shade and beauty, prevent soil erosion, pump water through transpiration, convert carbon dioxide into oxygen in photosynthesis, store carbon, provide fruit, mulch and cover for other plants and birds. Reflect on how quickly a lifetime’s growth can be cut down.  

 

Remember humans cannot make or design a simple flower! We can harvest seeds, plant them and water them, but we cannot make them grow. We cannot make a seed or a new plant, although we can adapt them.  

 

 

In Conversations with God, N. Walsch wrote in 1995: (1.2)

 

God: ‘Have you ever seen anything more perfect than a snowflake? Its intricacy, its design, its symmetry,  . . . Yet if I can do this with a single snowflake, what do you think I can do -  have done – with the universe?’

 

As Louis Armstrong sang:

 

‘I see trees of green, red roses too; I see them bloom for me and you; And I think to myself what a wonderful world.’ 

 

Time spent in nature revives our spirits. Nature is awesome and wonderful. She must be gratefully appreciated, yes truly celebrated!