Ad Here

Adjust story text size:

Other stories in this category Viewpoint:This Old Dog Wants to Learn a New Trick or Two 5/7/2013 Viewpoint: The Earth Keeps On Rotating Every Earth Day 4/24/2013 Letter to the Editor - Thank you! 5/7/2013 Click here for all the news Most recommended in this category Viewpoint: The Earth Keeps On Rotating Every Earth Day Water Rates? Water Restrictions Viewpoint: The Only Thing Courage and Closet have in Common is the First Letter Click here for all the news

I had a meeting in Colorado Springs on Monday evening and witnessed, from a safe distance, the mountains being on fire. The smoke was obvious most of the drive and couldn’t be ignored from about mile marker 128 on as the Rockies burned.

Right now the entire state seems to be ablaze. The worst fire in Colorado history in regard to property damage continues to burn in Fort Collins. Most of us probably know people in the Colorado Springs area on alert and wondering if they will have to flee their homes at a moment’s notice.

I can’t but wonder at the power of nature. I remember the feeling of humility the first time I saw the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast. The waves crashed against the rocks and I had no doubt that if I wasn’t careful, I could be crushed, swept out to sea and nature wouldn’t even notice.

When I was in college in central Kansas, a tornado on the ground over a mile wide completely wiped out a small town. I watched the black funnel lower itself to the ground and from my vantage point could not help but feel small and insignificant.

Over 6000 people are doing their best to control the fires in Colorado. And everywhere, including here, we are one lightning strike, one careless campfire, one this or one that from a full blown blaze that has no respect for property lines, our sweat and toil, or even our lives.

I guess there is a lesson to be learned. Every time I puff out my chest and think I’m more than I am, I only have to look at nature to realize I’m really not all that. And I guess if I carry that thought on a little further, you aren’t all that either.

It’s kind of a humbling thing when you stand face to face with nature. So since none of us are the big shots we sometimes think we are, it might be a good idea to try and take care of each other. It doesn’t seem to matter much if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, male or female, young or old. If nature decides to cross your path, you are going to end up on the losing end of the stick.

Another thing I notice when I come face to face with the power of nature is a deep realization that someone created all that power and I’m again humbled. But that is for another time, more of a meditation than a Viewpoint. Stay safe, take time to lie in the grass and look at the sky in wonder, and help your neighbor do the same.

TalkBack

Click here to log in to post to TalkBack

Click on the cop to report Talk Back abuse and misuse