Nature's unpredictable force (The story of Lucas)
AS I SEE IT
By Rev. Jim Innes
THE POWER of nature is truly immense. It has the ability to both give and take beyond our control. Natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes serve as stark reminders of this power.
Nature’s power is not just about visible displays of strength. The delicate balance of ecosystems found in places like Lake Huron and Lake Erie is incredibly alive. These lakes, along with the mighty currents that flow silently beneath them, are a power unto themselves.
Nature’s power is at its most triumphant as 8.2 billion people on the planet coexist with over 8.7 million species of animals, 33,600 species of fish, and about 435,000 plant species. Every moment of every day, nature moves onward and upward, never failing, never exhausted. Even though we often abuse her, she still manages to find a way to hold us upright.
This reality is truly astonishing, and one of the most notable aspects of this interaction is called the "Butterfly Effect." This metaphorical concept explains how the gentle flapping of a butterfly's wings in one location can ultimately lead to the occurrence of a tornado in another location. The effect unarguably depicts our planet as an intricately woven fabric of cause and effect, a lesson humbly learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One word to describe nature is resilience. Nature perseveres, evolves, and by an intrinsic power, continuously seeks balance and sustainability. And often quite ingeniously. A story:
Once upon a time, a young shepherd named Lucas lived in a quaint little village nestled between rolling hills and lush green forests.
Lucas was known throughout the village as a gentle soul with a deep love for his flock of sheep. Each morning, he would lead his sheep to the meadow, where they would graze on the sweet grass and watch over them with care.
One day, as Lucas sat beneath a sprawling oak tree, he noticed a wild fox skulking around the edges of the meadow, eyeing his precious flock with hunger in its eyes. Instantly, Lucas's protective instincts kicked in. He knew the fox was following its natural instincts to survive, but he was also responsible for his flock.
Instead of chasing the fox away, Lucas left scraps of food for the fox in a secluded part of the meadow, away from his sheep. Over time, the fox became less and less interested in the sheep and more interested in the offerings Lucas left out for it.
The fox and the shepherd formed an unlikely bond as the days turned into weeks. The fox would visit Lucas every evening and sit together in silence. The flock was safe, and Lucas had a companion on the hillside in the long nights alone.
Lucas is torn between fulfilling his duty to his flock and respecting the instincts of a fox. This reflects the ongoing challenge of people trying to live in harmony with nature while balancing our responsibilities with natural principles.
Imagine the impact a simple, friendly handshake could have on our world. It's remarkable to consider how a small, seemingly insignificant action could change history and shape the future in ways we never imagined.
Rev. Jim Innes is the rector of St. John's, Grand Bend with St. Anne's, Port Franks.
(Photo: Jonathan Larson/Unsplash)