Somewhere along the way, because of the interest of new
members of our group, a day of bike riding was added to the hike, so the
one-day excursion became a two-day event. The group has expanded from six to
ten or twelve members. We have been doing this for close to twenty years.
This year we spent one of the days fishing on a charter
boat. The chance to experience a different kind of nature than the forests and
mountains was wonderful. Being able to experience the water, the gulls, the fish,
the sunrise and the stories of the captain and his mate brought a different
perspective on nature than in previous years.
The interplay between human kind and the environment is
never clearer than on the water. The men who make their living on the water are
directly affected by what is done. For instance, on the Chesapeake Bay, there
is a fish called the menhaden that is used to make fish oil for supplements.
They are also the fish that stripers and blues feed on. Because they are over
fished for the supplement industry, there are fewer fish for the watermen on
the Chesapeake to catch.
In spite of these problems, the chance for a group of men to
enter nature in a significant way each year is a treat. Most of us work in
environments that are replete with computers and other technological
environments where nature is far removed from us. Because of how nature is
continually being exploited, like the menhaden in the Chesapeake, we need to be
reminded that we are a part of nature, not above it. We should be stewards of
the natural world, not abusers of it. Psalm 24: 1-2 states:
1 The
earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong
to him.
2 For
he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
Many of us “moderns” could learn from native peoples around
the world who have much more of a reverence for nature than we do. To learn to
be awestruck by the incredible surroundings that sustain our very existence on
the planet. From the blood eclipse several weeks ago, to the sunrise over the
water this morning, everyday, every hour, is filled with wonders that we need
to pause in order to observe and honor.
Psalm 4: 1-4
1 Lord,
our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through
the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When
I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what
is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
No comments:
Post a Comment