Enjoy the Beauty of Nature

By Dexter Yarbrough. I remember a scene from the movie The Color Purple, where Celie and Shug Avery are walking through a beautiful field of purple flowers. The scene I am speaking of can be seen in the video to the right. It is short so please take a moment to watch it. That scene has stuck with me for many, many years.

Many of us lead very busy lives. Nonetheless, how often do we take time to stop and smell a rose? How often do we admire the changing colors in the trees? How often do we sit beside a lake with friends or loved ones? How often do we admire the beauty in this world?

I have been traveling lately for work and taking photos as I usually do. After driving and flying thousands of miles, I decided to take a few days to look at the beauty that surrounds me. Not in a passing sort of way, but really to take in this beautiful earth that we inhabit. If you haven't done this lately, you should.

I know that many of you who read this are aware that there is a lot of negativity in this world. Much of it was created by man. While man has created many great things, nothing is greater than the beauty of nature that we see everyday - and sometimes ignore.

I took a walk in an urban area a few weeks ago. There was a modest house with a few flowers in the yard. The house was nothing special, but the flowers made that which was simple much more beautiful.

I have often wondered if The Creator looks at us individually and ponders why we stay more focused on ourselves and our problems rather than admire the beauty He provided. How often does taking the focus off of ourselves and onto a flowing waterfall surrounded by heavenly trees turn our bad days into special ones?

Many people go for nature walks along a path. Some do it for exercise; others do it to get away from whatever troubles them at the moment. How often do we take time to feel different textures of the leaves and plants?

Nature displays its beauty and glory to us. It displays its harmony and perfection to us. And it displays its knowledge and wisdom to us. But do we pay attention? Do you?

It is up to each of us to explore, develop, take to heart and enjoy the treasure in which we all share. Some of us are led to enjoy its glory and splendor. Are we following the path in which we are being led?

Life passes us by very quickly. One moment you are in high school stressing over what clothes to wear to impress that girl or guy you like. The next moment (twenty years later) the stress has turned to making mortgage and car payments.

All the while, we yearn for the days of retirement when we will commune with nature. Often, we come to find that physical ailments prohibit us from now doing so. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Watching the ducks and geese play or marveling at the uniqueness of the rock outcroppings standing alone in the lake can cure a day of the blues. Are you taking notice?

There is a message in the world that many of us don't get - but we would if we just look around. Isn't it wonderful how the trees and plants live among each other in harmony? Each has something to bring to natures' table in terms of height, color, contribution to the environment, smell and texture. All in beautiful harmony, serenity and perfection. Humans could take a lesson from the living plant life.

Plants and trees give praise to a Creator that sustains, preserves and supervises their daily needs. The birds worry for nothing and they play and are fed everyday. The beauty of nature.

Caution is natural, but fear is not. This buck did not run away from me when I came within 10 feet of it. In fact, it posed (and ate foliage) while I took 24 pictures. Moreover, it sat down and rested right in front of me.

We often let our fears take control of our lives. Fear of failure, love, each other, taking the next step. I believe that many animals can sense when we (humans) are not feeling well, sad or angry. They also know when a threat is present. And when there is no threat present. It is a balancing act. The buck was at peace and so was I. A lesson for the world.

Technology is not always a good thing. Our kids are becoming unhealthy because they are playing games on Xbox instead of getting exercise. Do you remember playing "Hide and Go Seek?" What about stickball? "It?"

Remember when we use to talk to each other instead of texting - from the same room? There is nothing like parents and grandparents teaching technologically savvy kids how to hook a fishing pole while telling stories from the "olden" days.

When was the last time you packed a lunch and had a picnic in the park? By the lake? Life is too short.

A father taking his child for her first walk in lake water. An expectant mother admiring the scenery. People fishing and laughing. Ducks playing. So much beauty surrounds us. But do we notice?

With so much bad news, it makes you wonder if there is any good left in the world. Sometimes we get lost and forget. If you have forgotten, I suggest you take a day or two away to find the beauty of nature.

So many people go through this short life and fail to admire the color purple - and red, yellow, green and blue in the beauty of nature. Don't let this happen to you. Don't walk through a grove and not notice the beauty and uniqueness of nature.

The world can be a beautiful place. Don't think so? Take a few days to touch, see and smell the beauty of nature. You will never walk through a field again and not notice. Enjoy the beauty of nature.

Thanks for reading my hub and for viewing my photos.

Dexter Yarbrough Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.