Recently I went on a hiking trip to Montana. Two separate day hikes of ten miles
each in Glacier National Park gave me opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful country in the United States. Breathtaking vistas, glorious vegetation and fascinating wildlife. Each day I accompanied a small group of similarly experienced hikers to challenge this “walk in the park”.
Nature is Always Perfect
As I wandered up the trails, I was reminded of the words of Ken Burns, the producer of the PBS documentary about The National Parks. Advising college graduates in a commencement address, he said to “Be in nature which is always perfect. Its’ majesty should remind us of our insignificance.” So I paused to contemplate the relevance of that thought on my journey up the hill. I encouraged myself to take it all in. The picture that nature has painted for us. What could I learn from this adventure? What could I learn from the history of this place that had survived and flourished through the ages?
Down below and back home using our powerful computers, our rapidly functioning phones, and our highly-equipped cars, we have lulled ourselves to believe that we are powerful and in control. Yet, without technology, the massive rock formations of the Rockies have endured for millions of years. The forest pines have stood their ground and tower over all of us. The delicate wildflowers provide color and softness to the edges of it all and reminded me that I am not the most beautiful of God’s creations. A passing encounter with a mama grizzly bear and its cubs reminded me that this world reproduces itself without our help. As that mother and her children approached our trail, I remembered that I am not the most superior being in this wilderness. My cell phone would be no match for her cunning or strength. My hiking shoes no match for her speed.
Another Lesson
I humbled myself to the majesty of nature. In Mr. Burns’ words, it reminded me of my insignificance. In this time of reflection, my objective became to find value in my journey up the trail. What could I take away when I return to the trailhead? When I return home?
I realized this was another experience for my backpack. I realized that I can keep on filling it as long as I can breathe and I have the ambition to try something new. But at this stage in my life I also realized that those experiences can be used to support others. How could I use my steps up the mountain to encourage other dads?
I suppose the answer is the gratitude and humility I bring back home. The awareness that this is a beautiful world. Not just in the mountains, but in our own communities. We are lucky to be living here. We should teach our children to be aware. We should teach them to be grateful and humble.
Perfect Evolution
Mr. Burns told us that nature is perfect. Perfect in the sense it is unfolding as it should. The seasons turn…. spring, summer, autumn and winter. Then they come again… year after year. The vegetation grows heartily in the summer, feeding the animals and birds; then it is covered by snow and waits for the next spring time. Many of the animals hibernate. Some move on to warmer climates, then return again the next season. Over centuries, glaciers plowed the ground and shaped the landscape. Fires burned, cleansing the forest and making room for new growth. Rebirth. New generations. The cycle of life. Evolving and changing, but always fulfilling God’s plan.
Ecclesiastes tells us in part:
“A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever…
The sun rises and the sun goes down…
All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full…
What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; and there is nothing new under the sun.”
My nugget to take down the mountain. Nature is beautiful indeed. Perhaps we should follow its lead. The mountains, the trees, the rivers, the streams, the animals and vegetation have found a way to cohabitate for centuries. Except for the marks made by humans, the forest and mountains are pristine in their own way. Left to itself, this part of our world will survive on its own for centuries to come. There is nothing new under the sun. The true danger for that habitat is the invasion and disrespect of humans. That we forget to “leave no trace” and do not leave it the way we found it. Perfect.
Progress?
I wonder if we should step back and think about our “progress”? Perhaps we 
should take time to reflect upon the wonder of what we already have. Making progress only when it makes real improvement. Would our communities survive longer and more peacefully if we did less to disturb them? If we saw the majesty that is already there. If we believed that the wildflowers never lose their beauty even when they blossom in the same way year after year. If we remembered that many of the lessons in our old backpacks should endure. If we were quick to appreciate what we have.
Our Beautiful World
So, I have learned this. At the halfway point of my daily run, now I stop and intentionally take in the beauty of the nature around me. Even in our large city. I breathe in the air, then I give thanks for the sunshine, the blue sky, the fluffy clouds and the soft breeze. Recognizing its perfection, I give thanks for the rain that falls and makes the flowers grow. Ours is a beautiful world, if we take the time to look. I am grateful for what I have.
We would be well served to periodically remember Abraham Lincoln’s words about the future of our country when he said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Our first step is to recognize the beauty of our world. The second is to take responsibility to preserve it. The third is to teach our children to do the same.
Near the top of a mountain, beside a glacial lake, I placed another lesson in my old backpack. What has been is what will be. Appreciate what we have. Be humble. At trail’s end I share it with those who will listen…perhaps to share with the next generation.
