The charred ruins of thousands of burned acres in Arizona and New Mexico and the loss of hundreds of homes in those states - the unfortunate result of numerous wildfires - prompted me to reflect upon the destructive forces of nature and all that stands in its path. We do our best to harness nature for the good of mankind, but nature has its own rules and reasserts dominance over man whenever it pleases.
We are only stewards on this ‘blue marble’, and should never forget the consequences of our actions or how we affect our earth – lest nature should remind us with all its fury!
When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, many outsiders criticized its citizens for building in a flood plane; oddly enough, it was the US government who first encouraged them to do so, and when hurricanes struck the eastern seaboard, those same critics mocked folks who built along the beaches. No doubt, voices will be raised critical of those who chose to live among the sage brush of Arizona and New Mexico too.
If not among the sage brush, or the trees, or near the beaches, or in the flood plains along our vast rivers, then where?
Shall we fault mid-western farmers for plowing fields or building barns on plains routinely ravaged by tornadoes? Should we disparage all who build near rivers, creeks or streams since flooding of even the smallest of tributaries can kill? Is it right to criticize Floridians for choosing to live in a hurricane highway?
We put down roots where we think we can prosper, and hope that by the grace of God we can weather all that happens to come our way. Sometimes we do – sometimes we don’t.
Thousand of people in Arizona and New Mexico are confronting hopes and dreams today that resemble little more than piles of ash. Prayers will comfort. Criticism won’t.
Nature marches forward…and from the ashes, life is renewed.
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