One cannot spend time observing the natural world without being profoundly moved by its intricate design and the sheer wonder of creation. My conviction in the inherent divinity of nature stems from countless observations, particularly the astonishing parallels we discover in the animal kingdom, mirroring our own complex social behaviors and emotional landscapes.

Beyond mere instinct, there’s a compelling sense of communication – not just within their own species, but often surprisingly, with us. The shared capacity for pain, the poignant dedication in nurturing their young, and the intricate social bonds among various creatures all speak to a common thread of sentience and purpose that transcends our anthropocentric view.

Consider the monarch butterfly, a creature of delicate wings, undertaking an epic migration across continents to a specific mountain range in Mexico, year after year. This multi-generational journey, guided by an unseen compass, is a testament to an evolutionary wisdom that defies simple explanation. Equally astounding is the seasonal pilgrimage of countless bird species, navigating vast distances with pinpoint accuracy, driven by an ancient imperative to find sustenance and perpetuate life. Their resilience and navigational prowess are nothing short of breathtaking.

I recall a truly magical encounter deep within a forest, accompanying a seasoned forester. A Canadian Jay, known for its boldness, alighted gently upon his shoulder, remaining there for a remarkable duration. It felt less like a chance occurrence and more like a silent, profound acknowledgment – a moment of interspecies connection, perhaps even gratitude for the care taken in tending to its woodland home. But perhaps the most universally resonant miracle is the unwavering devotion animal parents show their offspring. Observing a mother squirrel diligently caching nuts, fiercely protecting her young, or teaching them to forage in my own backyard brings a simple, profound joy and a renewed appreciation for life’s fundamental cycles.

Then there are the less obvious, yet equally profound, miracles hidden in plain sight. The serotinous cones of the Ponderosa pine, for instance, perfectly encapsulate nature’s ingenious adaptive strategies. These cones remain sealed, protecting their precious seeds, only to release them in the cleansing heat of a forest fire. This seemingly destructive force is, in fact, an essential catalyst for regeneration, a testament to fire’s vital role in the ecological succession of many landscapes. Similarly, the epic journey of the salmon, battling upstream against relentless currents, driven by an unerring instinct to return to the precise freshwater spawning grounds of their birth, is another powerful symbol of nature’s relentless drive for continuity.

Indeed, walking through a mature forest ecosystem feels akin to entering a grand, living cathedral – the towering canopy, the hushed whispers of the wind, the ancient, enduring presence of the trees – it evokes a deep sense of reverence and spirituality. Nature’s inherent beauty isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s profoundly soothing to the soul, offering solace, perspective, and a vital connection to something far greater than us. Because nature is divine, we need to learn as much as we can from Nature and apply it to humanity whenever suitable and appropriate. Is God trying to tell us something through Nature?

Warmly,

Richard Thomas Simmons